'I want to do it for football' - Jose Mourinho expresses desire to make 'incredible' move into national team management amid faltering title bid at Fenerbahce

After being sacked by AS Roma in January 2024, Mourinho returned to management this summer as he took on a fresh challenge with Fenerbahce in the Turkish Super Lig. The legendary manager has faced some adversities in his journey in Turkey so far, with Fenerbahce trailing league leaders Galatasaray by eight points after 16 matches. Fener are also down in 21st in the Europa League table, and Mourinho has faced criticism for his controversial comments on the state of Turkish football amid his team's patchy form.

Amid a faltering title bid in Turkey, the former Real Madrid, Chelsea and Manchester United boss has admitted that he plans to take charge of a national team in the future and compete in the European Championship and World Cup, having long been linked with the top post for his native Portugal. He also revealed that he would "certainly" consider managing in Serie A again, too, but has not watched Roma play since leaving the club.

In an interview with Corriere Dello Sport, the 61-year-old said: "I’ve never watched Roma play again, but I’ve watched Inter. I want to play a European Championship or a World Cup and unite a country around a team, as I have already done many times with the clubs. I want to do it for football and what this sport represents. It will be incredible."

The Turkish giants will be back in action after a short winter break this Sunday as they take on Hatayspor in a league clash, which Mourinho will be desperate to win in order to close the gap on Galatasaray.