Jose Mourinho sacking details emerge as coach 'left almost in tears' and players unaware

AS Roma players were 'unaware' of the club's decision to sack Jose Mourinho when they arrived at training on Tuesday, according to reports in Italy, as details continue to emerge about his departure.

Mourinho was sacked by the Serie A side on Tuesday morning after a two-and-a-half year stint in charge at the Stadio Olimpico.

Roma's American owners, Dan and Ryan Friedkin, were said to be 'highly unhappy' with results under Mourinho this season, according to a report Calciomercato via Football Italia.

The Italian side, who currently sit ninth in the Serie A table after picking up eight wins from a possible 20 games, have lost four of their last seven fixtures in all competitions.

Mourinho was thanked for his "passion and efforts" by the American owners after a spell that featured a Europa Conference League win in May 2022.

They added: "We will always have great memories of his tenure at Roma, but we believe that an immediate change is in the best interests of the club. We wish Jose and his assistants all the best in their future endeavours."

Dan Friedkin travelled to Rome from the United States to inform Mourinho and the AS Roma squad about his decision, according to Sky Sport Italia.

And an hour after the statement was made official, Jose Mourinho's assistant Salvatore Foti was said to be 'nearly in tears' when he arrived at the club's training ground in Trigoria.

Roma legend Daniele De Rossi will take Tuesday's training session, according to the report. In fact, the former midfielder is set to be named as Mourinho's successor.

De Rossi will take charge until June, with his contract including an option to renew based on achievements and results.

A Roma statement read in full: "We would like to thank Jose on behalf of all of us at AS Roma for his passion and efforts since his arrival at the club.

"We will always have great memories of his tenure at Roma, but we believe that an immediate change is in the best interests of the club.

"We wish Jose and his assistants all the best in their future endeavours."