José Mourinho stated that his tenure as AS Roma manager effectively ended the night of the Europa League final in Budapest, revealing that he considered himself already dead upon returning from his vacation. The Portuguese coach, now leading Real Madrid ahead of a Champions League return to the Stadio Olimpico, opened up about the deep emotional ties and eventual fractures of his time in the Italian capital during an exclusive interview with Ivan Zazzaroni.
Budapest Final Damaged Mourinho's Standing with Club Leadership
Reflecting on the 2023 Europa League final against Sevilla at Budapest, Mourinho described the event as both the peak of his bond with the Giallorossi supporters and the definitive moment of his departure.
La finale di Budapest è il punto massimo di questa connessione
with the fans, Mourinho explained, noting that the outcome and its aftermath severely damaged his standing with the club’s leadership. He maintained that his only fault regarding the disciplinary fallout was related to his confrontation with the referee in the tunnel, insisting he held no responsibility for incidents at the airport, while adding that he paid for the strained dynamic with club owners who maintained a different profile and approach from his own.
However, the consequences carried heavy weight regarding his employment. He also expressed the pain of his departure, stating È noto quando mi ha fatto male l’addio alla Roma
.
A Lasting Bond With the Giallorossi
Despite the abrupt end to his time in Rome, Mourinho emphasized that his affection for the club and its fanbase remains unbroken. He recalled his arrival at Ciampino airport on July 2, 2021, at 14:33, when thousands of supporters greeted him before he had managed a single match.
Il giorno in cui arrivai c’erano migliaia di persone ad accoglierli e non avevo fatto ancora niente. Io non merito questo ma questa è Roma
he stated, affirming that the capital will forever feel like home and adding Non esiste e non esisterà mai una parola mia contro la Roma o contro la sua proprietà: quando esco, esco pulito e con un sentimento che sarà per sempre casa mia
.
The manager also highlighted past triumphs, including the historic 2022 Conference League victory in Tirana, noting that while larger clubs might overlook such a trophy, it held profound meaning for Roma and its devoted followers. He explained that a connection was created because supporters understood he never worried about his image, the owners, Italian football politics, or the press, but only cared about Roma and the Romanisti, stating Poi si è creata una connessione pazzesca
. He noted that he made mistakes and lost matches, but they always understood he fought for them. Addressing comparisons with club legends, he maintained Francesco non si tocca
and added that he does not feel close to him or second in the people’s hearts after him, while acknowledging historic figures like Bruno Conti whom he loves.
Return to the Olimpico
As preparations get underway for the upcoming European fixture, Mourinho addresses his return to the stadium as an opponent. Nessuno striscione, non mi aspetto nulla
Mourinho remarked regarding the reception from the stands, while maintaining that the unique passion of the Roman supporters left an indelible mark on his career. He added that he must prepare his players for a different way of living the match against a beautiful opponent, noting that it will be very difficult to play there.
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