Jose Mourinho has laughed off speculation that he reached out to Cristiano Ronaldo over the prospect of joining him at Fenerbahce.
The Special One took charge of Fenerbahce in the summer and the club sit second in the Turkish Super Lig, trailing leaders Galatasaray by five points after 12 games.
Widespread reports emanating out of Turkey in the week suggested Mourinho had spoken with Al Nassr striker Ronaldo over the phone, with Fenerbahce looking to bring in reinforcements in the January transfer window.
Mourinho, of course, managed the five-time Ballon d’Or winner during his three-year spell in charge of Real Madrid and had reportedly asked his fellow countryman if he had any interest in leaving the Saudi Pro League for Istanbul.
However, while facing the media this weekend, Mourinho poured cold water on rumours of a possible reunion, hitting out at the ‘ridiculous news’ after Fenerbahce’s resounding 6-2 victory over Kayserispor.
‘Ronaldo may come to Istanbul for dinner one day,’ the Portuguese told reporters when quizzed on the speculation.
‘After all, Istanbul is right in the middle of Saudi Arabia and Portugal.
‘Maybe he can hop on his private jet and come see his old friend Jose. We can have a meal at the hotel where I live.
‘Those who say, “Cristiano Ronaldo will play for Fenerbahce”, either do not know what they are writing or are happy with ridiculous news.’
Ronaldo joined Al-Nassr in January 2023 and has since scored 75 goals in 86 appearances for the Saudi Pro League outfit while helping the club win last year’s Arab Club Champions Cup.
The legendary forward is tied into a contract in Riyadh until the summer of 2025.
Speaking earlier this month, the 39-year-old icon sparked rumours that he could finally hang up his boots when his current deal with Al-Nassr comes to an end in two years’ time.
‘I just want to enjoy playing football. Planning my retirement, whether it’s in one or two years, I don’t know,’ he said after Portugal’s 5-1 win over Poland in the Nations League.
‘I will soon turn 40, and as long as I feel motivated, I will keep going.
Ronaldo added: ‘I don’t see myself managing a team. It’s not in my plans.
‘The day I no longer feel motivated, I will retire.’
For more stories like this, check our sport page.
Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.