Jose Mourinho’s future at Roma has been in doubt since Fernando Santos resigned from his Portugal job in the wake of an underwhelming World Cup result. Tammy Abraham finds the Selecao’s interest in appointing the Special One as the national team’s new manager unsurprising but insists he ‘needs’ him to stay at the Stadio Olimpico.
Mourinho has grown into a father figure for Abraham in the footballing sense. The 59-year-old first insisted on the Englishman’s arrival from Chelsea in 2021 before putting his utmost effort into turning him into the prolific No9 Roma have been seeking since Edin Dzeko’s departure for Inter.
Although Abraham has yet to reach his peak and continues to struggle with his infamous finishing, he has won the hearts of the Giallorossi faithful with his attitude and commitment. Much of the credit for the 25-year-old’s household status in Rome goes to Mourinho, who’s still fighting tooth and nail to help the striker fulfill his potential.
Aware of the Portuguese boss’ influence on his career, Abraham paid tribute to the Special One, urging him to stay at Roma.
“He is a great coach and of course, everyone wants him,” he said, as relayed by Goal.com. “It’s an honor that an important country like Portugal chases him. I am sure the coach is focused on Roma.“
“I already said it in the past, to me, having him [Mourinho] here is like having an uncle,” he continued. “That’s how I’ve always seen the coach. He is a reference point and he wants the best from me, so he motivates me in every way.”
Mourinho has become the leading candidate to fill the vacancy in Portugal’s dugout despite repeatedly proclaiming his love for Roma. In fact, he has never hidden his ambition to take charge of the Selecao at some point in his managerial career.
Who knows, maybe he’s reached that point.