Serie A
Mourinho: ‘I could have left in December but I’m here’
Jose Mourinho insisted his side were ready to challenge the best after Roma’s win over Empoli and revealed he preferred to remain in charge despite offers made to him in December.
Roma bounced back from a shocking 2-1 home loss to Cremonese in the Coppa Italia (quarterfinal elimination) with a 2-0 win over Empoli and at the press conference Jose Mourinho sent the message everywhere that both he and his players are determined to fight for the rest of the season.
“I could have left in December and stayed here”the Portuguese first explained referring to the proposals made to him by his country’s football federation to succeed Fernando Santos, adding:
“Sometimes it seems like Roma are in a difficult position and need to play in Serie B, but the reality is that despite the limitations we have as a team, we are here to fight with the strongest .”
Regarding the cases of Zaniolo and Smalling, with the former wanting to stay by force and the latter not yet renewed, the particular said:
“Ganiolo is a management issue, he has to handle the situation with them. There’s nothing I can do to convince Smalling to stay.”
Source: sport 24
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