Tammy Abraham has issued a plea to "uncle" Jose Mourinho in the hope that he'll snub Portugal 's offer to become their new manager.
The Roma star, 25, is desperate for his boss to stay in the Italian capital, with recent reports claiming that Mourinho's native Portugal have already offered him the job after sacking Fernando Santos following their humiliation World Cup quarter-final exit at the hands of Morocco. Brazil are also said to be interested in the Special One's services and Abraham isn't surprised.
"He is a great coach and of course, everyone wants him," the England international told Gazzetta dello Sport. "It's an honour that an important country like Portugal chases him. I am sure the coach is focused on Roma. We've read many things, but we didn’t talk about them and Mourinho has always tried to make us improve, we are focused on the season."
Abraham was signed by Mourinho 18 months ago and the Englishman has gone on to score 31 goals in 73 games for the Giallorossi. The ex- Chelsea striker, whose former club have the option to re-sign him in the summer for £68million, hopes to keep on working with the 59-year-old, having won the inaugural Europa Conference League title together last season.
"I already said it in the past, to me, having him here is like having an uncle," Abraham added. "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. He tells me when I don't play well and even when I do so, he is not satisfied. That's what I need. A coach who always guides me."
Fortunately for the Englishman, fresh reports suggest that Mourinho is ready to reluctantly turn town his country's offer, as Sky Italia outline that he feels 'honoured' by their proposal but not ready to leave club football behind. Brazil appear to still be trying, though, with federation chiefs reportedly sending over an intermediary to Portugal, where the ex-Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur boss is spending Christmas with his family.
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Italian outlet La Repubblica stated on Friday that a representative from Brazil was due to fly from Sao Paulo and begin negotiations with Mourinho face to face in person. The Brazilian FA (CBF) had wanted Pep Guardiola to succeed manager Tite, who also left his post after being knocked out of the World Cup in the quarter-finals, but his new two-year deal at Manchester City killed their hopes.
It was added that Ednaldo Rodrigues, president of the CBF, wants super-agent Jorge Mendes to aid their search for a new boss. Mendes notably represents Mourinho and boasts an excellent relationship with Rodrigues, La Repubblica claim.
Regardless of whether or not Mourinho quits Roma to work in the international game, his future at Roma will remain uncertain. That's because the Portuguese isn't entirely content at the Stadio Olimpico due to a variety of reasons, ranging from players' attitudes to the club's financial situation.
