Former Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho is now head coach of Fenerbahce
Former Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho is now head coach of Fenerbahce
Former Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has responded to speculation about a possible reunion with Cristiano Ronaldo at Fenerbahce.
The Portuguese coach was in charge of the Reds between 2016 and 2018 and has since had spells at Tottenham Hotspur and AS Roma. He is currently in charge of Turkish giants Fenerbahce, having held his current post since June 2024.
Ronaldo, who has had two spells at United throughout his playing career, is now at Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr. However, the 39-year-old's contract is set to expire in the summer, and speculation surrounding his future has intensified in recent weeks - with rumours of a potential reunion with his former manager at Fenerbahce.
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While Ronaldo and Mourinho's careers did not overlap at United, they did work together at Real Madrid, where they won the La Liga title in 2012. Any hope of the pair joining forces again was quickly dismissed by Mourinho, however, as he emphasised he is not looking to make any sweeping changes to his forward line.
"Cristiano Ronaldo will not come," the 61-year-old confirmed to reporters. "The first reason is that I have three good forwards, and I don't want another one.
"Cristiano will always be Cristiano, but I don't want him because I'm happy with my forwards. He has the money he earns in Saudi Arabia and a goal of 1,000 goals. What could motivate him to come to Turkey, other than the beauty of Istanbul?"
The January transfer window is right around the corner and Fenerbahce are currently second in their league table behind Galatasaray. Mourinho conceded he would never turn down the opportunity to improve his squad with the right player midway through the campaign, but transfers in January can be complicated.
"I don't really like the January transfer window because the player who comes needs a certain amount of time," he added. "I never say no to a transfer, but I don't knock on Ali Bey's or Acun Bey's door and say I want a transfer."
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