Jose Mourinho Praises Cristiano Ronaldo for Paving the Way for Potential Move to Saudi Arabia

• Cristiano Ronaldo joined Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League in December 2022
• Jose Mourinho has praised Ronaldo for leaving Europe and moving to Saudi Arabia
• The Special One is currently looking for a job after he was sacked by Roma in January

Cristiano Ronaldo’s move to Saudi Arabia continues to be a talking point over a year later.

The Portuguese star’s move to the Saudi Pro League inspired other players to join Saudi Arabian teams and also encouraged managers to follow suit.

Jose Mourinho recently stated that CR7’s decision to move to the Middle East opened doors for others to believe it was possible.

As noted by talkSPORT, Mourinho admitted that he would now be tempted to work in the country.

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"Cristiano opened the door in terms of believing that it is possible to be there and live there, to enjoy the development of a country that wants to be a different country with football that has a passion but is not developed,” he said.

He made the comments during an exclusive interview with Fabrizio Romano, where he admitted that in future, he could never say that he would never coach in the Middle Eastern country. He was previously approached by a team in the Pro League but turned it down to remain in Europe.

Is Mourinho managing a side?

The Portuguese manager is unemployed but has been linked with many big-name clubs.

He was last in charge of Italian Serie A side Roma, but was sacked by the side in January, Sky Sports reported.

Mourinho eyes national team role

While discussing a potential stint in Saudi Arabia, The Special One also admitted wanting to try his hand at international management.

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He was previously approached by Portugal to head up the national team twice, but with no club commitments this time around, he is keen to give managing a country a shot.

Mourinho linked with Super Eagles job

Sports Brief reported how Portugal's Mourinho was linked with the vacant post of the Nigerian national team.

The Super Eagles have been looking for a manager since Jose Peseiro's contract expired after AFCON.

Mourinho is available to after he was sacked by Roma and has expressed interest in a national team post.