Jose Mourinho was in tears as his tenure at Roma came to an abrupt end on Tuesday morning, following a series of disappointing results that left the team struggling in Serie A.
Despite his emotional connection to the club and its fans, Mourinho's recent performances couldn't save his job.
Mourinho's Emotional Farewell
Following the defeat at San Siro against AC Milan, which marked Roma's third loss in five league games, the club announced the departure of Mourinho and his coaching staff.
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Mourinho has spoken for the first time since he was dismissed as AS Roma manager on Tuesday morning.
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This decision leaves Roma in 9th place in Serie A, a stark contrast to the highs of Mourinho's tenure, which included a Conference League victory in 2019.
The emotional impact of his departure was palpable. A video circulating on social media as reported by Daily Star, captured a poignant moment where Roma fans expressed their gratitude to Mourinho.
The heartfelt words from the fans visibly moved the 60-year-old, who was seen fighting back tears before being driven away amidst chants of his name.
De Rossi Steps Up to the Challenge
In a swift move, Roma appointed club legend Daniele De Rossi as the interim manager. De Rossi, revered for his loyalty and exceptional career at Roma, steps into the managerial role with significant expectations. With 616 appearances for the club and a brief stint at Boca Juniors, De Rossi's return is a significant moment for Roma.
His coaching journey, which began as an assistant for the Italian national team, has been a learning curve, including a challenging period managing Serie B side Spal.
Now, taking the reins at Roma, De Rossi faces the task of revitalizing the team's fortunes and chasing European qualification, with Roma currently trailing Fiorentina for a top-four spot.