Fenerbahce manager Jose Mourinho has emphatically dismissed the “ridiculous” rumours linking Cristiano Ronaldo with a potential transfer to the Turkish Super Lig.
The outspoken Portuguese coach was appointed by Fenerbahce in the summer after getting sacked by Roma.
Mourinho has continued to deliver his signature verbal outbursts, notably launching an eight-minute rant against the entire division earlier this month.
When quizzed on a potential reunion with Ronaldo after rumours of a phone call between the two compatriots emerged, Mourinho needed about eight seconds to respond:”News about Cristiano Ronaldo to Fenerbahce are ridiculous.”
Ronaldo spent three seasons playing for Mourinho’s Real Madrid between 2010 and 2013.
The potent forward was at his peak, racking up an incredibly tally of 168 goals in 164 games during this period, although Madrid only won the Copa del Rey and La Liga amid Barcelona dominance.
As he approaches his 40th birthday, Ronaldo has shown no signs of imminent retirement. The Al Nassr forward has hinted that he could still be playing by 2027.
However, his contract with the Saudi Pro League side expires at the end of this season, prompting some to suggest that he may already be lining up his next move.
Mourinho was quick to insist that Ronaldo’s next destination would not be Istanbul – at least not in a professional capacity.
“Cristiano might come to Istanbul to eat because it’s right in the middle of the road between Saudi and Portugal,” the veteran coach joked. “Or maybe he’ll come see his old friend Jose, we can eat at my hotel.”
The Portuguese duo share the same influential super agent Jorge Mendes, a fact which Mourinho flagged during particularly strained moments of their relationship while together at Madrid.
“I have to look after you,” the manager once told Ronaldo in front of a full dressing room, “because you’re my brother’s brother – and when someone is their brother’s brother, that makes them a brother as well.”
What we know
- Cristiano Ronaldo has been linked with a move to Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce
- The 39-year-old forward will be out of contract with Al Nassr this summer
- Mourinho previously worked with compatriot Ronaldo for three years at Real Madrid.