Zoom Image

No man for consolation prizes: Just moments after being honoured, José Mourinho takes his silver medal

Photo: ODD ANDERSEN / AFP

After the defeat in the final of the Europa League, coach José Mourinho at least does not seem averse to staying at AS Roma. "I want to stay, but my players deserve more, I deserve more," said the Portuguese after the penalty drama in Budapest against Sevilla FC (Click here for the match report) Mourinho is "tired of being the coach and spokesman for the club."

The Portuguese stressed that he was "tired" after losing his first European Cup final as coach. I've won five finals, but I've never been prouder than I am today." He praised his players for "giving everything" and "working hard" in the intense game.

Shortly after the 60-1 penalty shootout, the 4-year-old was not only proud, but also deeply disappointed. He didn't want the medal he got after the final whistle. Instead, he threw them to a young fan in the stands behind the coach's bench.

Referee Anthony Taylor insulted Mourinho in the parking garage of Budapest's Puskás Arena. A video shows him calling the nearby referee a "damn disgrace."

The Englishman had withdrawn a penalty decision against the Andalusians in the 75th minute after a video review. During the game, Mourinho had also vehemently demanded a sending off for Sevilla's Argentine midfielder Erik Lamela. Despite Taylor's good refereeing performance, there had been many discussions throughout the season, both on the pitch and in the coaching zones of both clubs. The referee from England had to hand out a total of 14 yellow cards, one of which Mourinho received in extra time.

No contacts with other clubs in Europe

"The Special One" – as Mourinho described himself when he joined Chelsea in 2004 – is associated with Paris St. Germain. When asked about his future, he assured that there are no contacts with other clubs in Europe. "I said a few months ago that I would tell the owners if I had contact with another club," Mourinho said on Sky Sport: "I wouldn't do anything secretly."

However, Mourinho also stressed that questions about his future are "not important at the moment". He is only looking forward to his holiday from Monday after the last matchday of Serie A. Ahead of the match against Spezia Calcio, AS Roma are in sixth place, one point ahead of Juventus, who have a ten-point deduction. Mourinho is under contract with the Romans until 2024.

cf/sid/dpa