Mourinho says UEFA killed him in Budapest while Roma dismissed him

In a candid interview with the Corriere dello Sport, José Mourinho contrasted the pain of being "killed" by UEFA in Budapest with the heartbreak of Roma terminating his contract on the same day. The Real Madrid manager, still brimming with the same DNA‑driven passion he had when he started, vowed to keep coaching as long as health permits, even joking about working until he is eighty‑ninety.

From Benfica to Real Madrid

Mourinho explained that the move to Real Madrid came unexpectedly. He was at Benfica, ten minutes from home – a rarity he hadn’t experienced in twenty years – and felt the club needed a lift. He had planned to stay three years, but rumours surfaced and he was surprised by the speed of the appointment.

He recalled playing three matches against Real within two weeks, followed by the controversial incidents involving Vinícius and Prestianni, which he described as "a tough situation".

UEFA, Budapest and the fallout

According to Mourinho, the UEFA episode in Budapest was a turning point. He said, "I was killed by the public opinion of opportunists; it was an uncontrollable situation." He insisted that Prestianni’s suspension was not for racism and maintained that both young players were "golden boys".

He added that the UEFA penalty – a charge he felt was not his responsibility – left him feeling "already dead" when he returned, and months later he was out of the job.

Mourinho says Roma career ended after League final, denies blame

Non è facile creare un legame come quello con la Roma, he reflected, noting that the club’s supporters gave him a warm welcome of a thousand people on his first day, yet he felt he had "won nothing".

Per la Roma, Mourinho said, the connection runs deep: "They understood I never worried about myself, only about the club and the romanisti. I gave everything, I fought for them." He recalled the Europa League final in Budapest as the pinnacle of that bond, even as UEFA’s sanction haunted him.

He also spoke about his love for the club’s history, naming Francesco Totti and Bruno Conti as icons, and placing himself second only to Totti in the hearts of supporters.

When asked about expectations for his return to the Olimpico, Mourinho said he expects "only respect" and no banners, stressing he must focus on preparing his players and himself for the job ahead.