After confirming his arrival last Sunday morning at Fenerbahçe, the Super Lig team is said to have signed him on a two-year contract.

He remarked to the crowd: “I want to thank you for your love, normally a coach is loved after victories. In this case, I feel that I am loved before the victories. That for me is a big responsibility that I feel.

“I promise you from this moment, I belong to your family. This shirt is my skin. Football is passion, and there is no better place than here to feel that passion. Since the moment I met the president, I wanted to play for you because you are the soul of the football club. I want to be the coach of all of you.”

During his illustrious career, Mourinho has also coached Chelsea, Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Tottenham. Ismail Kartal departed the team last Friday, and Mourinho took his position.

Even though Kartal only managed one league loss this year, Galatasaray managed to win the championship by a mere three points.

“I would like a job in Turkish football. Aiding the Turkish league is my goal. However, Fenerbahçe is what matters most to me, Mourinho stated. "Your dreams are now my dreams as soon as I sign my contract.”

Winning the 19-time Turkish champions their first championship since 2013–14 will be his first priority.


Arriving in Istanbul, the 61-year-old Portuguese manager was a television analyst during the Champions League final at Wembley.

While there, he spoke with Sky Sports on the challenges Fenerbahçe has in their quest to advance to the competition the following season.

“It's challenging because there are three qualifying rounds, and eight Fenerbahçe players are in the Euros and won't be returning for preseason before the first round," he remarked.

“You know I enjoy a challenge, so we will fight to qualify for the Champions League.”

Author

A passionate Irish journalist with a love for cycling, politics and of course Portugal especially their sausage rolls.

Rory Mc Ginn