Six-time Chinese Super League champions Guangzhou Evergrande have approached former Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho, according to various reports.
However, media outlets are now claiming that Jose Mourinho has rejected the offer from the Chinese club, looking to continue his career coaching club football in Europe.
Mourinho has been out of a job since December 2018, when he departed from Manchester United. The divisive Portuguese coach is one of the most recognizable and most decorated names in world football, having won major honors during his time at Porto, Inter Milan, Real Madrid and two spells at Chelsea.
His potential suitors Guangzhou Evergrande are China’s richest and most successful club, winning six consecutive Super League titles between 2011 and 2017, under the guidance of legendary managers such as Marcelo Lippi and Luiz Felipe Scolari.
However, the side have struggled Scolari’s departure, losing the Super League title to Shanghai SIPG last season under the guidance of Fabio Cannavaro. This year, Beijing Guoan have emerged as favorites to take the title. A major appointment could provide the impetus for the nation’s most successful club to reclaim their place.
The side also remains in the AFC Champions League, which they have won on two prior occasions, and are preparing to face Kashima Antlers in the quarter-finals.
This move comes shortly after another former Champions League winning manager, Rafa Benitez, joined Chinese Super League Dalian Yifang.