Jose Mourinho has revealed that he rejected a massive proposal from Saudi Arabia this summer to stay at Roma. The Special One received a record €30 million per season offer from Al Hilal as he gave the players his word that he would stay at the club.
But the start to the new season has not been ideal for the Portuguese, with Roma picking up eight points from their first seven games. The addition of Romelu Lukaku has proved to be a game changer, with the Belgian finding the back of the net thrice already.
Jose Mourinho reveals world record bid made by Saudi Arabia this summer
“What I can say is that three months ago there was almost a drama to think that I could leave,” Jose Mourinho said about his decision this summer.
“In Budapest on the pitch I told the players that I would stay, after Spezia I reiterated it to the fans, two-three days later I gave my word to Mr Friedkin.
“In the summer I had the biggest, most important and craziest job offer that a coach has ever had in the history of football: I rejected it precisely because of my word. Now it seems like I’m a problem, I don’t accept it. I don’t accept it because it’s not true, I’m not a problem.”
“I decided to reject because I told the AS Roma board, fans and players that I was going to stay. I gave them my word.”
The Portuguese led his side to the finals of the Europa League last season, but ultimately came up short against Sevilla on penalties. He has repeatedly criticised the refereeing in the game, and still claims that Roma would have won the final had it not been for the poor officiating.
