Turkish Super Lig club Fenerbahce announced on Sunday that former Real Madrid manager José Mourinho is their new head coach.
After several days of speculation, Fenerbahce confirmed the news on X, stating that the Portuguese manager would attend a ceremony at their Sukru Saracoglu Stadium.
“Saracoglu is waiting for its new coach José Mourinho and its great fans at 19.00!,” read the post.
MOU time ⏳ pic.twitter.com/SXGTchnTyu
— Fenerbahçe English (@Fenerbahce_EN) June 2, 2024
On Saturday night, the club shared a video message from Mourinho, 61, addressing Fenerbahce supporters: “See you tomorrow in Kadikoy, and let’s start our journey together.”
The signing ceremony took place at Fenerbahce’s Ulker Stadium in Istanbul, where thousands of fans cheered and sang for Mourinho.
“Usually, a coach is loved after victories, but here, I feel the love before any victories. This is a big responsibility for me, and I promise you that from now on, I belong to this family. This shirt is my skin,” Mourinho said, holding up a Fenerbahce jersey.
“Since meeting President Ali Koc and understanding his vision and projects, I wanted to be here. From the moment I signed my contract, your dreams became my dreams.”
The Special One 😉 pic.twitter.com/siTZzaCnmj
— Fenerbahçe English (@Fenerbahce_EN) June 2, 2024
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Club chairman Ali Koc welcomed Mourinho, saying, “He is one of the best coaches in football history. I am confident he will be a winning coach here, as he has been at other clubs.”
Mourinho replaces Turkish manager Ismail Kartal, who parted ways with Fenerbahce on Friday despite only one league loss last season.
This is Mourinho’s first position since leaving Roma in January, where he won the Europa Conference League in 2022. He has not managed outside the top five European leagues since 2004, after leaving Porto and joining Chelsea.
Throughout his career, Mourinho has also managed Inter Milan, Real Madrid, Manchester United, and Tottenham, accumulating numerous trophies and controversies along the way.
Fenerbahce finished second to rivals Galatasaray in the Turkish league this season and has had disputes with Turkish soccer authorities, including a protest walk-off during the Turkish Super Cup game.
Mondays like these… 🥰#MOUtime pic.twitter.com/Np5HUmJ3Ze
— Fenerbahçe English (@Fenerbahce_EN) June 3, 2024
