Jose Mourinho has often proven he is a man of style both on and off the football pitch – but the price of his accommodation in Istanbul is mind-blowing even by his standards.
Mourinho, 61, was appointed as Fenerbahce manager in the summer after being sacked by Serie A outfit Roma last season despite securing the 2022 Conference League – making him a hero in the Italian capital.
The Portuguese had previously won silverware at Porto, Chelsea, Inter Milan, Manchester United and Real Madrid but failed to secure a trophy while manager of Tottenham between 2019 and 2021.
When he arrived in Istanbul, he was greeted by thousands of jubilant supporters, and he tried to endear himself to fans with an enthusiastic speech at the Fenerbahce Sukru Saracoglu Stadium.
“Normally, a coach is loved after victories,” Mourinho said when addressing supporters in June 2024.
“But in this case, I feel I am loved before victories. And that for me is a big responsibility that I feel, and I promise you that from this moment, I belong to your family.”
Despite relishing the challenge of managing the Turkish giants, it seems he has yet to take to Istanbul’s vibrant food scene.
Mourinho is reportedly living off chicken soup, Margherita pizza, ice cream and sparkling water, which he enjoys every evening, according to the Daily Mail.
The two-time Premier League-winning manager is living in the luxury Four Seasons Hotel on the banks of the river Bosphorus. The report claims that the cheapest room in the lavish hotel is priced at around £1,000.
This means, in his 141 days since joining the club on June 2, that Mourinho will have racked up a staggering £141,000 bill. However, this won’t damage the pocket of Mourinho too much as he is reportedly earning an eye-watering £10m per year.
His expensive suite is based on the European side of the river, where city rivals Galatasaray have most of the support. His view extends to the Asian side of the city where Fenerbahçe are based.
This is not the first time the 61-year-old has opted against purchasing a house near his place of work.
During his two-year stay at Manchester United, he was reportedly staying in a Premium Riverside Suite at The Lowry Hotel, according to CNN.
On the pitch, his fortunes have been less glamorous. His side are currently fourth in the Super Lig, trailing league leaders Galatasaray by eight points with a game in hand.