Jose Mourinho says ‘thank you for the love’ after joining Fenerbahce as head coach

Jose Mourinho says he now ‘belongs’ to Fenerbahce after being unveiled as their head coach, with the Turkish giants being the 11th team he has managed.

The 61-year-old ‘Special One’ left AS Roma in January after a two-and-a-half-year spell with the Italian club, who won the Europa Conference League under his guidance.

But he officially returned to the beautiful game on Sunday afternoon, when he signed his contract in front of fans at the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium.

Fenerbahce fans chanted Mourinho’s name from the stands - and the former Manchester United, Real Madrid, Inter Milan and Chelsea was clearly moved.

He said: "I want to thank you for your love, the love that I felt from the first moment where my name was first connected with Fenerbahce.

"Normally, a coach is loved after victories. In this case I feel that I am loved before victories.

"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.

"Football is passion and there is no better place to feel that passion. Since the moment I met with President Ali Koc I wanted to play for you because in the end you are the soul of the football club.

"Since the moment I met him and understood his ideas, his project I wanted to play for you. I wanted to be the coach of all of you.

"I want to work for Turkish football, I want to work for the Turkish league. I want to help to improve [it] but the most important thing for me is not Turkish football, it's not the Turkish league, it's Fenerbahce.

"To finish, I want to say that from the moment I signed my contract, your dreams are now my dreams."

Istanbul-based Fenerbahce have not won a Turkish league title since 2014 and are hoping the appointment of serial trophy winner Mourinho, who has won 26 honours across his managerial career, will lead to a trophy-laden spell for the club.

Here, Sports News Blitz takes a look at the career of Mourinho so far.

Early Career: The Translator Who Could

The Translator Days: Picture this: a young Mourinho, armed with a knack for languages and a hunger for football, starts his career as a translator and assistant coach for Sir Bobby Robson at Sporting CP, FC Porto, and later FC Barcelona.

He wasn't just whispering sweet tactical nothings into Robson's ear; he was learning the ropes of the game.

FC Porto (2002–2004): The Portuguese Conqueror

Porto Magic: Mourinho took over at FC Porto in 2002 and quickly turned the team into the Portuguese Avengers, winning the Primeira Liga, Taça de Portugal, UEFA Cup, and the UEFA Champions League.

That Champions League win in 2004? Legendary. It was like watching a magician pull a rabbit out of his hat, except the rabbit was a trophy and the hat was a football pitch.

Chelsea (2004–2007): The Special One Arrives

First Chelsea Stint: When Mourinho arrived at Chelsea, he famously declared himself "The Special One." And boy, did he live up to it.

He won two Premier League titles, an FA Cup, and two League Cups. But like any good soap opera, his stint ended with dramatic flair and a falling out with the club's hierarchy.

Inter Milan (2008–2010): The Italian Job

Inter Milan Glory: Mourinho moved to Inter Milan and did what he does best: win. He bagged two Serie A titles, the Coppa Italia, and the UEFA Champions League, completing a treble.

His tactical genius turned Inter Milan into a fortress.

Real Madrid (2010–2013): The Spanish Conquest

Real Madrid Rollercoaster: At Real Madrid, Mourinho won the Copa del Rey, La Liga with a record points total, and the Supercopa de España.

His time was marked by intense clashes with Barcelona and enough internal drama to fuel a telenovela. Still, he left with a collection of silverware and a lot of memorable press conferences.

Chelsea (2013–2015): The Return of the King

Second Chelsea Spell: Mourinho returned to Chelsea, won another Premier League title and a League Cup, and then, like a good sequel, ended with unexpected plot twists and a premature exit.

Manchester United (2016–2018): The Red Devil’s Advocate

United Adventures: At Manchester United, Mourinho added the Community Shield, the EFL Cup, and the UEFA Europa League to his trophy cabinet.

However, his time was also marked by some spectacular disagreements with players and management. Imagine a Shakespearean play, but with more footballs and fewer soliloquies.

Tottenham Hotspur (2019–2021): The Tottenham Tango

Tottenham Tale: Mourinho took the reins at Tottenham Hotspur and led them to the EFL Cup final, only to be shown the door just before the final dance. It was like being dumped before prom night. Ouch.

AS Roma (2021–Present): The Roman Revival

Roma Resurgence: Mourinho's latest adventure brought him to AS Roma, where he won the inaugural UEFA Europa Conference League in 2022. It’s like he found a new playground and immediately claimed the biggest slide.

Legacy: The Myth, The Legend

Jose Mourinho’s career is a masterclass in how to win trophies, court controversy, and give unforgettable press conferences.

He’s a tactical genius, a psychological master, and a media magician. His story is one of epic victories, dramatic departures, and an unshakeable belief in his own specialness.

Mourinho is the kind of character who could turn a post-match interview into a blockbuster movie trailer.

And whether you love him or loathe him, you can’t deny: football wouldn’t be nearly as entertaining without him.

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