It won’t be a golden retirement - Mourinho eyes Portugal return

José Mourinho has revealed his strong desire to return to management in his home country of Portugal, insisting that such a move would come while he is still "at the height" of his legendary career, not as a farewell tour.

The 62-year-old tactician is currently under contract with Turkish giants Fenerbahçe, where he guided the club to a second-place finish behind rivals Galatasaray in the just-concluded 2024/25 season. Despite being in his 11th managerial role, Mourinho remains as ambitious as ever.

Speaking after Fenerbahçe’s 2-1 win over Portimonense in a pre-season friendly in Albufeira, Portugal, Mourinho told Sport TV via stadium mastro, “I’m definitely coming to Portugal. It hasn’t happened yet, but it will. Not because I feel like I’m nearing the end; I feel far from that.

He continued, "I don’t want to come to Portugal for a golden retirement or for the last years of my career. I want to come to Portugal at the height of my career, in good health and physically and mentally strong. I’ll definitely be back.”

Since bursting onto the world stage with FC Porto’s 2004 UEFA Champions League triumph, Mourinho has enjoyed a decorated managerial career spanning across Europe’s top leagues.

He has lifted 26 major trophies, including league titles with Chelsea, Inter Milan, and Real Madrid, as well as silverware at Manchester United and AS Roma.

Though now playing his trade outside Europe’s “big five” leagues, Mourinho remains in demand and continues to draw speculation over his next move.

When asked if he prefers to return as a club manager or take charge of Portugal’s national team, the "Special One" responded, “Anything.”

Mourinho has twice turned down offers to coach Portugal, but did not rule out the possibility in the future. He also recently denied having held fresh talks with the Portuguese Football Federation regarding the national team role.

Portugal is currently led by Roberto Martínez, who has been in charge since January 2023 and recently guided the team to a UEFA Nations League triumph, defeating Spain on penalties in the final.