Jose Mourinho says he was met with "the biggest, most important and craziest job offer that a coach has ever had in the history of football" this summer.
The 60-year-old AS Roma manager has been strongly linked with a move away from The Stadio Olimpico of late.
Back in August, the former Manchester United and Chelsea boss confirmed he'd been approached by 'top management' to coach Saudi Arabia's national team.
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Mourinho was offered a two-year-deal worth €120 million, according toCoriello Dello Sport, which would have made him the highest paid manager in football history.
And in addition to the national team offer, 'The Special One' revealed in August that he'd rejected two big-money offers from Saudi Pro League clubs Al Ahli and Al Hilal, with the latter being worth €30 million per season.
"I decided to turn both down as I want to stay at Roma," he said.
On numerous occasions this season, Mourinho has decided to speak publicly about his desire to remain in Italy's capital.
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And ahead of Roma's Serie A clash against Frosinone on Sunday, the experienced manager gave a typically passionate statement about his future.
"In the summer I had the biggest, most important and craziest job offer that a coach has ever had in the history of football," he said in his press conference via La Gazzetta dello Sport.
"I refused 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.
"In football and in life things are multifactorial, you can't say that one person is responsible, we are all. I have compromised myself by giving my word, so until June 30, 2024 I will be here, I will be here until the last day.
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"Only Friedkin can tell me that it's over sooner than expected," he added. "Otherwise I will reach the end because I am the same person who gave his word to the players, the fans and the world.
"I'm not afraid of entering the pitch and hearing the whistles from the whole stadium, if they want to find me they'll find me in Trigoria which is where I live, I'm neither afraid nor lacking in confidence.
"I'm here and tomorrow I'll be at the stadium, me and my players together taking responsibility for what will happen before, during and after the match. What matters for us is winning, that's what the team needs."
Mourinho also spoke at length about the relationship he shares with his AS Roma players. "It's not something you always hear, but these guys are my friends and I'm their friend, we're a good group," he continued.
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"There is empathy which is a base that is priceless, especially in these moments here. With them I never felt alone, ever.
"Now I have decided to isolate myself to find my own solutions and not feel the many that are offered to me inside and outside Trigoria, it's my choice, it's different. I feel great in here and there is no other place I have enjoyed working more."
Mourinho added: "The fact remains that I expect more from the players, as well as from myself, I expect a different mentality, hunger and responsibility. They must do so, also to show the way to new ones.
"Take Ndicka, he is not Ibanez, he is better with the ball, but defensively he is not the warrior, he is not the gladiator who maybe makes mistakes but fights.
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"He can only get there if others show him how to do it. Starting from the match against Frosinone, we want and must win, there are no alibis."
Featured Image Credit: YouTube/AS Roma - Getty ImagesTopics: Jose Mourinho, Saudi Pro League, Saudi Arabia, Serie A, Italy, AS Roma
