José Mourinho was warmly welcomed by Fenerbahçe fans when he was introduced as the team's new manager on Sunday. The Portuguese coach officially signed his contract with the Yellow Canaries at the Şükrü Saracoğlu stadium, alongside club president Ali Koç, as fans cheered enthusiastically.
Mourinho expressed his gratitude for the love he has received from Fenerbahçe fans since the beginning. He mentioned feeling loved even before achieving victories as a coach.
“That, for me, is a big responsibility that I feel. I promise you that, from this moment, I belong to your family. This shirt is my skin.”
LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 19: Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta thanks the fans after the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Everton FC at Emirates Stadium on May 19, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
On May 19, 2024, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta expressed his gratitude towards the fans after the Premier League match against Everton FC at Emirates Stadium in London, England. Stuart MacFarlane captured this moment in a photo for Arsenal FC.
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Mourinho, who is 61 years old, has been without a coaching job since he was let go by AS Roma in January. He is known as one of the top coaches of his time, having led teams like Chelsea, Inter Milan, Real Madrid, and Manchester United.
During his career, Mourinho has achieved success in various competitions. He has won the Champions League with Inter Milan and Porto, the Europa League with United, and the Conference League with Roma.
"Football is all about passion and there is no place that embodies that passion better than here. From the first time I met President Ali Koç, I knew I wanted to be a part of this team because, ultimately, you are the heart and soul of this club," Mourinho expressed.
"From the moment I met him and grasped his vision, his plans, I knew I wanted to be a part of this team. I wanted to lead and coach all of you," Mourinho added.
I am passionate about working in Turkish football, specifically within the Turkish league. My main focus is on helping to enhance the league, but above all, my heart lies with Fenerbahçe. I want to emphasize that since signing my contract, your aspirations have become my own.
Mourinho was welcomed by a raucous crowd at his unveiling as Fenerbahçe's new manager.
Mourinho was welcomed by a raucous crowd at his unveiling as Fenerbahçe's new manager.
Erdem Sahin/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock
Mourinho takes over as the new Fenerbahçe boss following İsmail Kartal's departure from the club at the end of the previous season.
Fenerbahçe ended the last campaign in second place in the Turkish league, only losing one game throughout the season. However, they finished three points behind their crosstown rival Galatasaray, who ultimately claimed the championship title.
Koç praised Mourinho as a "living legend" in a recent club statement. He also mentioned that the team's goal for the upcoming season is to clinch the Turkish league title.
After finishing in second place last season, Fenerbahçe will enter the second round of qualifying for the Champions League. They will have to win three matches to successfully navigate through qualifying and secure a spot in the newly restructured league phase of the competition.
Editor's P/S:
The arrival of José Mourinho at Fenerbahçe has ignited immense excitement among the club's devoted fans. Mourinho's impressive coaching credentials and his charismatic personality have instilled a sense of optimism and belief within the Yellow Canaries faithful. The Portuguese tactician's passion for the game and his unwavering commitment to success have resonated deeply with Fenerbahçe supporters, who are eager to witness their team reclaim its dominance in Turkish football.
Mourinho's primary objective is to guide Fenerbahçe to the Turkish league title, a feat that has eluded the club for the past four seasons. With his wealth of experience and tactical acumen, Mourinho is confident in his ability to transform Fenerbahçe into a formidable force. The club's ambitious plans also include a successful campaign in the Champions League, where they will face a challenging qualifying phase. Mourinho's leadership and guidance will be crucial as Fenerbahçe strives to navigate the complexities of European competition and make a mark on the continental stage.