Jose Mourinho has dismissed rumors that he contacted Cristiano Ronaldo about a January move to Fenerbahce.
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The Portuguese manager, now leading Fenerbahce, has seen his team secure second place in the Turkish Super Lig, trailing Galatasaray by five points after 12 matches.
Reports from Turkey this week claimed Mourinho had reached out to the Al-Nassr striker, whom he managed during his Real Madrid tenure, to explore the possibility of a reunion in Istanbul. The rumors suggested Fenerbahce sought to reinforce their squad with Ronaldo’s star power during the winter transfer window.
Mourinho addressed the speculation following his team’s emphatic 6-2 victory over Kayserispor, firmly denying any truth to the story. Speaking to reporters, he criticized the claims as baseless and absurd.
“Ronaldo may come to Istanbul for dinner one day,” Mourinho joked. “After all, Istanbul is between Saudi Arabia and Portugal. Perhaps he could use his private jet to visit me for a meal at the hotel where I live.
“However, those claiming ‘Cristiano Ronaldo will play for Fenerbahce’ clearly don’t know what they’re talking about or are content spreading ridiculous news.”
Ronaldo, who joined Al-Nassr in January 2023, has made a significant impact in the Saudi Pro League, scoring 75 goals in 86 appearances and helping his team win the Arab Club Champions Cup. He is under contract with the Saudi club until the summer of 2025.
The 39-year-old forward recently hinted at his retirement plans, suggesting he might retire when his Al-Nassr deal concludes.
“I just want to enjoy playing football. Whether I retire in one or two years, I’m not sure yet,” Ronaldo said after Portugal’s 5-1 victory over Poland in the Nations League.
“I’ll turn 40 soon, and as long as I feel motivated, I’ll keep playing. But the day I lose that motivation, I’ll retire. I don’t see myself managing a team; it’s not in my plans.”