Jose Mourinho has agreed to become Roma coach from next season-saving Tottenham as much as £13million in the process.
The Portuguese will replace Paulo Fonseca in the Italian capital ahead of the 2021-22 campaign as he heads straight back into management following his sacking by Spurs just over two weeks ago.
And his appointment is expected to save Spurs millions in compensation. The north London club put Mourinho on gardening leave following his dismissal, essentially meaning Tottenham would continue to pay the Special One’s salary every month.
But the club will cease paying Mourinho once he officially starts work for Roma at the end of the season, meaning Spurs will pay the former Manchester United and Chelsea boss only a fraction of the £16m compensation he was due.
As Sportsmail exclusively revealed in April, the level of compensation Mourinho was entitled to in the event of his sacking was linked to performance-related clauses in his contract.
Spurs were seventh in the league when the decision was made to dismiss Mourinho — meaning the 58-year-old was not entitled to full compensation on his £10million-a-year basic salary.
Mourinho says he has been drawn to the Italian capital by the ambition of the club owners.
“Thank you to the Friedkin family (Roma’s owners) for choosing me to lead this great club and to be part of their vision,” he said.
“After meetings with the ownership and Tiago Pinto (Roma’s general manager), I immediately understood the full extent of their ambitions for AS Roma. It is the same ambition and drive that has always motivated me and together we want to build a winning project over the upcoming years.
“The incredible passion of the Roma fans convinced me to accept the job and I cannot wait to start next season.
“In the meantime, I wish Paulo Fonseca all the best and I hope the media appreciate that I will only speak further in due course. Daje Roma!’
General manager Tiago Pinto said the club could not miss the opportunity to appoint Mourinho. He said: “When Jose became available, we jumped at the chance. We were blown away by Jose’s desire to win and passion for the game.
“He possesses the knowledge, experience and leadership to compete at all levels. We know that in order to build a successful sporting project it takes time, patience and the right people in the right positions.”
The Portuguese boss, 58, has signed a three-year deal that will run through to 2024. It also ushers in a return to Serie A for Mourinho, who won the Treble with Inter Milan in a two-year spell at the San Siro from 2008 until 2010.
Sportsmail understands that Roma’s emphatic 6-2 defeat by Manchester United in the Europa League last week speeded up the arrival of Mourinho.
Mourinho being available and ready to start was also appealing to Roma, with the Friedkin family who owns the club looking to appoint the best free coach to replace Paolo Fonseca and avoid paying out millions in compensation.
Source: dailymail
