It was a sacking that certainly caught Jose Mourinho off guard.
Romanisti had succumbed to the 'Special One's' personality cult, and his deliverance of the Giallorossi's first piece of major silverware in 14 years established Mourinho in Roman folklore. The connection between the manager and fans was unlike anything we've seen at the Olimpico in quite some time, but the ruthless Friedkins opted to cut ties.
Mourinho's Roma are on course for their poorest league finish in 20 years, but there are some curious elements regarding the decision. The club, for example, have progressed into the UEFA Europa Conference League knockouts - the competition they won under Mourinho in 2022 - and the manager's contract was bound to expire in the summer anyway. Was the payout really worth it?
While Mourinho can no longer be regarded among the elite of his craft in 2024, there's no doubt that the all-time great won't have to wait too long until he's back in management. Someone is bound to get sucked in by the idea of Mourinho at the helm...but whom?
Here are six possible destinations for Mourinho after his Roma sacking - ranked
6. Barcelona
For a second, just a second, imagine it: Jose Mourinho returning the the club where it all started almost 30 years, helping Barcelona back to the top of European football.
Oh you can't even imagine it? Well, neither can we to be honest.
Following his antics while head coach at Inter (see above) and Real Madrid (when he poked Tito Vilanova in the eye), it seems that there's just too much bad blood between Mourinho and Barca for a reunion to ever happen.
From a financial perspective though, there is some sense in it. For all his flaws, Mou is box office and that added media attention could lead to added revenue for Barca.
Mourinho could be another lever for Barca to pull if things continue to go Pete Tong.
Fit? 1/10
5. Porto
There's certainly a theme of reunion among the possible options for Mourinho post-Roma.
If he doesn't reunite with Chelsea supporters at Stamford Bridge, then perhaps he could return to the club where he made his name. It was at Porto where Mourinho claimed his maiden Champions League crown, and established himself as Europe's hottest managerial property.
Sergio Conceicao is into his seventh year in charge at Porto, and a natural parting of ways could ensue at the end of 2023/24 should the Portuguese giants finish the season without silverware. Conceicao has also been linked with the Inter job, although it'd be hard to understand why the Nerazzurri would move on from Simone Inzaghi given the job he's done/doing.
Nevertheless, a vacancy could appear at Porto in the summer, and while he's not exactly adored at the Dragao despite all he achieved, Mourinho would surely be open to a return to his homeland.
Fit? 4/10
4. Chelsea
While Chelsea seem committed to a long-term project, it feels as if Mauricio Pochettino's reign could blow up in an instant.
There have undoubtedly been positives from the Argentine's first few months in charge, but the sheer unpredictability that currently surrounds his Chelsea team renders the club's managerial situation one to look out for as the season progresses.
While Mourinho fell in the estimations of some Blues supporters after taking the Tottenham job in 2019, many would welcome him back with open arms. The Portuguese boss guided Chelsea to three Premier League titles during his first two spells in charge, and while a round three would've been more likely had Roman Abramovich still been around, the possibility of another Jose reunion shouldn't be completely ruled out.
Fit? 5/10
3. Saudi Pro League
This appears to be the most likely possibility after it was revealed that Mourinho had received a monster contract offer from Saudi Arabia last year.
The expectation was that Mourinho would join the Saudi Pro League after his contract in Rome expired in the summer, but his sacking could hasten the process.
While it remains to be seen which Saudi club will take the plunge, it's almost a guarantee that Mourinho will receive another contract offer soon. Al Ettifaq, while not one of the PIF-owned clubs, could be after a new manager given Steven Gerrard's woes during his first season in charge.
Fit? 7/10
2. Portugal
Roberto Martinez has done an excellent job with the Portugal national team so far, and he'll lead Mourinho's country out at Euro 2024 in the summer. The Spaniard has signed a contract until 2026, and barring an absolute disaster, he'll remain at the helm beyond the upcoming Euros.
However, Mourinho's availability could give the Portuguese Football Federation food for thought.
Mourinho admitted he turned down the job after Fernando Santos' exit post-Qatar 2022 and has spoken before about his reservations about taking the national team job. While international management interests him, he'll need some persuading to emerge as Portugal's leading man.
England might consider Mourinho if he's available should Gareth Southgate depart after the Euros.
Fit? 8/10
1. Newcastle
While Premier League interest in Mourinho isn't expected to be rife, Newcastle's desire for silverware could see them opt for short-term success and appoint the 60-year-old.
Eddie Howe has done an excellent job with the Magpies amid their transition from Premier League relegation candidates to Champions League competitors. Their Saudi-backed project has so far been sensible on almost every front, but as their process continues, patience will gradually start to wear thin should Newcastle not match their success of 2022/23.
An injury crisis has thrust Howe into a tough situation this season, but Newcastle's dire run of results has undoubtedly started to put some heat on the Englishman.
Could they pull the plug and opt for Mourinho? Sir Bobby Robson's influence on Tyneside means the three-time Premier League winner would surely be tempted.
Fit? 9/10
