Mourinho reveals Ronaldo potentially ‘opened the door’ for his next job

Jose Mourinho would consider a move to Saudi Arabia after hailing Cristiano Ronaldo for ‘opening the door’.

Eyebrows were raised when Ronaldo left Manchester United to join Al-Nassr in January 2023 in the Saudi Pro League due to its lack of prominence in the football world.

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However Saudi Arabia now appears to be the place to be with various global superstars including Karim Benzema, Neymar, Marcelo Brozovic and Sadio Mane following Ronaldo.

Steven Gerrard and Slaven Bilic are among the managers who have made the move as well, leading to questions about Mourinho’s future.

‘The Special One’ is currently out of work having left Roma by mutual consent in January, leading to him admitting that he’d be tempted by a prompt return to work in the Middle East.

In an interview with Fabrizio Romano, Mourinho said: “Cristiano opened the door in terms of believing that it is possible to be there and live there, to enjoy the development of a country that wants to be a different country with football that has a passion but is not developed.

“Cristiano opened the door. 

“When I had the proposal, of course economically it was important, because it was more important for me with Roma, European football and commitment.

“If you ask me in the future, experience has told me never say never.”

As well as the chance to move to Saudi Arabia, Mourinho admitted to Romano that he also had the opportunity to step into international management.

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“I had the door open to be Portugal coach twice,” he said.

“First time when I was at Real Madrid but Florentino told me, ‘no chance’.

“The second time was at Roma, I was sacked a few months later… but I don’t regret that because I’m happy with the reason.”

Speaking about when he might return to action, Mourinho added: “I am ready to start, sometimes when you end it a club you feel the need of a rest or a think.

“In this case, one day after I left I was ready to go.

“I am really ready but I don’t want to make the wrong choice, but I cannot make the wrong choice, I cannot accept something just because of the feeling and passion to be back.

“I have to be patient.

“Is something going to happen in March or April, it is very difficult, my objective is to start next summer.”