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Fernando Santos Sacked By Portugal

Emmanuel Igbokwe

Dec 16, 2022

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Fernando Santos eight year reign in charge of Portugal comes to an end after being sacked following their World Cup quarter-final exit to Morocco with Roma boss Jose Mourinho lined up as replacement.

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Santos had a contract with the Portuguese Football Federation until 2024.

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He guided them to their first international trophy in 2016 when they shocked hosts France to win the European Championship.

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Three years later, Portugal was crowned as the inaugural Nations League champions.

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But following the disappointing defeat to the Atlas Lions, Portugal have called time on his tenure in charge of national team.

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According to Record, the termination of his contract was amicably agreed.

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PFF president Fernando Gomes will now look to tempt Mourinho into swapping Roma for Portugal.

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Speaking to Radio Renascenca in April 2021, Santos named Mourinho as his ideal successor providing he lasted until the expiration of his contract.

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He remarked: "That project lasts until 2024, and I committed myself to him until that time.ÔÇØ

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"But after then, I will think about what I want to do.ÔÇØ

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"Jose Mourinho would be a good replacement for me.ÔÇØ

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The Special One who has never managed a national side, has been open about his desire to challenge himself on the international scene.

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Though he questioned whether he could take charge of his beloved Portugal during an interview in 2020.

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He said: "Yes, I want to coach a national team.ÔÇØ

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"I want to have the experience of a World Cup and European Championship, the emotion of the short competition.ÔÇØ

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"Is Portugal the one I want to do? On one side yes as it is my heart. But it is very difficult to do it with the country you were born in.ÔÇØ

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— Emmanuel Igbokwe

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