José Mourinho never leaves indifferent. While he is engaged in an ambitious project with Fenerbahçe, the Portuguese technician is already thinking about it. Or rather, at the end. Not that the twilight of his career is close, on the contrary. But in an interview with Sport TVhe has just made a statement that resonates far beyond Istanbul, a kind of pact sealed with his people. An appointment is made, and it is very clear.
“I will undoubtedly return to Portugal”
The promise has come out, without detour. “I will undoubtedly return to Portugal. It has not yet happened, but it will happen ”he said. But beware, no question of a return for a golden pre-retirement. The “soft” specified its conditions: “I want to go back to my country when I am still at the top, healthy, and in an optimal physical and mental form. »» A clear message: he will come back to win, not to greet the crowd.
This declaration, while it is under contract until 2026 in Türkiye, is not trivial. She draws in filigree the final chapter he wants to write. And it’s probably not a club return. After winning the Champions League with Porto, what challenge could motivate it? The evidence is elsewhere.
Mourinho: The last chapter of his career will be in Portugal, and we know why
The Seleção, the ultimate evidence
Because let's be clear: we can hardly imagine the “special one” come back for another Portuguese club. The only mission up to such a return is the national selection. A position which he has, paradoxically, never occupied. Timing has never been good. Even at the top of his art between 2004 and 2013, the position was monopolized by others, notably Fernando Santos. This anomaly, Mourinho seems determined to correct it.
This is the only line that lacks its CV. He, one of the greatest coaches of his generation, has never managed a national team in a World Cup or one euro. A destiny shared with his alter ego, Pep Guardiola. See Mourinho on the bench Seleção For a large international competition would be the logical culmination of a legendary career.
A major obstacle for Mourinho
But this promise comes up against a very concrete reality. The position of coach of Portugal is currently held by Roberto Martínez, and the Spaniard is in place. Recent winner of the League of Nations, he certainly does not intend to leave his place as soon as possible. Mourinho's promise is therefore a bet on the future. A future where timing, finally, would coincide with its desire. The appointment is made, it remains to be seen when it takes place.
