“I’m coming to work for Turkish football, for Turkish Super Lig. But fundamentally I come for Fenerbahce,” is what Jose Mourinho said in his first press conference as Fenerbahce’s manager. Adding another chapter to his storied career, he seems eager for his next challenge as he spoke to the thousands of ecstatic fans at the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium, in his introduction as sweet as a Turkish Delight. After being sacked by AS Roma in January, the Portuguese has signed a two-year deal with the team. Here we will delve deeper into the contract details including his salary and benefits.

The 61-year-old coach flew to Istanbul right after attending the UEFA Champions League final between his former club Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund on June 1st in London to make the deal official and the unveiling event at Fenerbahce’s home ground.

Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce contract details revealed

According to Turkish media Fanatik, for the two-year deal with an option of an additional year, Jose Mourinho will receive $10.8 million annually besides bonuses and $20800 weekly. His assistants will earn over $2.16 million each year. Compared to his former contract with Manchester United of $15 million, it’s less but higher than what he earned at AS Roma.

Fenerbahce sacked their head coach Ismail Kartal after falling short for just 3 points due to just one defeat in a fierce title race against the league winners Galatasaray. Their campaign was also marred by a controversial event where the Fenerbahce squad stormed the pitch in protest against the Turkish Federation in the Super Cup face-off. Besides, the Yellow Canaries have not won a single title since the Turkish Super Cup in 2014. The main expectation from the Mou-Era would be battling their arch-rivals Galatasaray to win the title.

“I bring attention with me,” says Mourinho aiming to raise Turkish league’s viewership

All eyes being on him is nothing new to Jose Mourinho. Having weaved legacies in Europe’s notable clubs including Real Madrid, Chelsea, Inter, Roma and Manchester United, Fenerbahce is going to be his tenth club. Moreover, this time it’s not only about tactically uplifting a team into a bunch of winners, but the goal is also about promoting the Turkish league.

To the thousands who gathered in the stadium to witness his signing, Mourinho said, “I promise you from this moment, I belong to your family. This shirt is my skin. Football is passion, and there is no better place [than here] to feel that passion. Since the moment I met the president, I wanted to play for you because you are the soul of the football club. I want to be the coach of all of you.” 

 “I want to work in Turkish football. I want to help the Turkish league. But the most important thing for me is Fenerbahce, from the moment I sign my contract, your dreams are now my dreams,” he added. It looks like Mourinho has already fit right in.

There is seldom a chance for Fenerbahce to qualify for next season’s Champions League, as many players will be occupied with the Euros, although it would mean Mourinho’s comeback into Europe’s most prestigious competition. Regardless, as per his words, they will fight hard to be in UCL, the next challenge for the Special One.