“Thank you Mr. Jose!” — Roma fans shower gratitude with heartfelt banners for Jose Mourinho during first game post his departure

Jose Mourinho, ‘The Special One’, was made to leave AS Roma, despite his historic triumphs in previous seasons with the club. The Portuguese manager was let go after two-and-a-half years at the helm on the 17th of January. The manager was known for his close relationship with the fans and also for the way the home crowd backed the 60-year-old. Three days after his dismissal, club supporters came out in the masses to thank the manager for his time at the club.

Jose Mourinho led AS Roma to their first European trophy in well over 60 years (Europa Conference League). He also led the team to the final of the UEFA Europa League last season. However, the club’s poor form in recent games and unimpressive showings against rivals AC Milan and Lazio forced club management to relieve the manager of his duties.

Banners and posters held up during Roma’s game against Verona yesterday prove just how ‘adored’ the manager was in the Italian capital. Fans held up posters in Italian, which translated to:

You defended us against everything and everyone. Roma doesn't forget. Thank you, Mr. Jose! 

A huge banner also read ‘Grazie Mr. Jose‘, thanking him for his services at the club.

Daniele De Rossi takes ‘DIG’ at former Roma boss Jose Mourinho

Days after AS Roma announced Jose Mourinho’s departure, the team brought in club legend Daniele De Rossi. The 40-year-old managed to get the club back to winning ways in his first game back, as Roma bypassed a struggling Verona at home. Both Romelu Lukaku and Lorenzo Pellegrini were on target as the final score read 2-1. The club is currently 8th in Serie A.

On his first game in charge of the club, De Rossi appeared to take a ‘dig’ at the former boss. He said,

I think the team should control the ball and dominate the game. It's one of the first things we worked on. If not we become too predictable and the opponents can get through these situations.

The club legend appeared to take a jab at Mourinho for his ‘slow’ and ‘predictable’ play style, which culminated in his dismissal from the club.

After leaving Roma, Mourinho has now set his sights on a move to Saudi as per recent rumors. A move to Saudi Pro League club Al-Shabab is on the cards while clubs from Europe have also shown interest in the manager. A move back to the Premier League remains unlikely as one is forced to ask whether time is up for the Special One or if yet another ‘comeback’ is over the horizon.

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• WATCH: Jadon Sancho’s DAZZLING footwork earns penalty during first Dortmund start on return

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