Jose Mourinho has appeared to confirm his future plans to the Roma squad in the wake of their Europa League final defeat to Sevilla.
Mourinho was beaten in a European final for the first time on Wednesday night after Sevilla edged past Roma on penalties to lift the Europa League.
Immediately, concerns sprung to mind about what it might mean for Mourinho’s future at the club. So far, he has been cryptic as to whether he will stay at Roma into the third and final year of his contract.
At the pre-match press conference before the Sevilla match, Mourinho told journalists that Lorenzo Pellegrini and Gianluca Mancini – captain and vice-captain respectively – had asked him about his intentions and received his honest answer in turn, but his verdict has not been shared in public.
Footage has now emerged, though, showing Mourinho disclosing his plans to the Roma squad in a huddle on the pitch at the Puskas Arena after their loss to Sevilla.
He is reported to have said: “I don’t have any regrets. I don’t have regrets.
“Lorenzo and Gianluca came to me.
“I am here. I want to be here for you. I’m staying here for you.
“I’m staying here. I am here and that’s enough.
“I am here. I am here, full stop. Full stop.”
During his impassioned speech, Mourinho’s body language looked to be emphatic.
Whether a public announcement regarding his future will follow remains to be seen.
When Mourinho was appointed Roma manager in 2021, he signed a three-year contract to take him up to the end of the 2023-24 season.
Suspended for the final Serie A match of 2022-23 against Spezia, it may well be that – despite rumours about an exit and his dissatisfaction with certain aspects – Mourinho will be seen on the Roma touchline again after the summer.
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