Fenerbahce manager Jose Mourinho has rubbished claims linking the Turkish side with a sensational move for Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese legend was linked with a move to the Istanbul-based club to reunite with his countryman.
Ronaldo and Mourinho worked together for three years at Real Madrid, where they rewrote history books. They became the first team in the top five European leagues to pick up 100 points in a season. The legendary forward bagged 168 goals and 49 assists in 164 games under the Portuguese tactician’s tutelage.
Speaking about the possibility of a reunion with the forward, the two-time UEFA Champions League-winning manager said (via Fabrizio Romano):
“Cristiano might come to Istanbul to eat because it’s right in the middle of the road between Saudi Arabia and Portugal. Or maybe he will take his private jet and come see his old friend José Mourinho where we can eat at my hotel. As for those who say he will play for Fenerbahce, they either do not know what they are writing or are happy with the ridiculous news they are spreading”.
Cristiano Ronaldo is nearing the end of his illustrious career. He currently plays for the Saudi Pro-League side Al-Nassr and is contracted to the team until the summer of 2025.
Jose Mourinho linked with move for Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr teammate
According to a report by Turkish journalist Yagiz Sabuncuoglu, Jose Mourinho is considering a move for Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr teammate Talisca. The attacking midfielder is contracted to the Saudi Arabian side until the summer of 2026. He is considered an option to bolster the former Real Madrid and Manchester United boss’ Fenerbahce team.
Talisca joined the Riyadh-based club from Chinese side Guangzhou for a reported €8 million fee in 2021 and has gone on to make 102 appearances, scoring 76 goals and 10 assists. He has played 48 games alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and combined with the legendary forward for seven goals.
Jose Mourinho has been tasked with bringing the Turkish Sper League title back to Fenerbahce after an extended period without success in the division by their lofty standards. The 30-year-old will have a decision to make, with the option of joining the Portuguese tactician an attractive prospect to any player. He currently has the Istanbul-based club in second place in the league, five points behind Galatasaray after 12 games.