Mourinho wants Portugal return at 'height of career'

Jose Mourinho has outlined his desire to return to management in Portugal while he is still "at the height" of his career. 

The 62-year-old has one year left on his contract with Fenerbahce, having finished as runners-up behind Galatasaray in his first season in charge of the Turkish giants in 2024-25.

Mourinho left Portugal to join Chelsea in 2004 after guiding Porto to Champions League glory, and has since enjoyed a trophy-laden career across Europe. 

He has won 26 major trophies across his managerial career, achieving glory in two spells at Chelsea, as well as in his time managing Inter, where he won a treble in 2009-10, Real Madrid, Manchester United and Roma. 

Despite being in his 11th managerial role and moving away from Europe's top-five leagues with Fenerbahce, Mourinho is adamant that any return to Portugal would not signal an end to his decorated career. 

"I'm definitely coming to Portugal. It hasn't happened yet, but it will," Mourinho told Sport TV after Fenerbahce's 2-1 victory over Portimonense in Thursday's pre-season friendly in Albufeira, Portugal.

"Not because I feel like I'm nearing the end; I feel far from that. I don't want to come to Portugal for a golden retirement or for the last years of my career.

"I want to come to Portugal at the height of my career, in good health and physically and mentally strong. I'll definitely be back."

Asked if he had a preference to continue in club management or guide Portugal's national team, Mourinho said: "Anything."

Mourinho recently denied reports that he had held talks with Portugal's Football Federation executive to become national team manager ahead of the 2026 World Cup. 

However, he revealed last year that he had on two occasions turned down the opportunity to coach his country. 

Roberto Martinez, who has been head coach of Portugal since January 2023, recently guided the national side to their second UEFA Nations League triumph by beating Spain on penalties in the final.