Roma sack Mourinho

ROME, Jan 16 (AFP): Jose Mourinho's time at Roma came to an end on Tuesday after the Serie A club sacked the "Special One" midway through what has been a deeply disappointing third season in the Italian capital.
Mourinho departs Roma after an emotional two-and-a-half years in which he won Europa Conference League in 2022, ending a 14-year trophy drought for the capital club.
Roma said that Mourinho would leave alongside his staff "with immediate effect", adding that it was "in the best interests of the club" after a series of poor results left the team way off the pace in the Italian top flight.
Meanwhile, Daniele De Rossi began a new adventure at Roma on Tuesday as the World Cup winner took over at his boyhood club following the sudden sacking of Jose Mourinho.
The former Italy midfielder, who spent almost the entirety of his playing career at Roma, signed a deal "until 30 June 2024" with the Serie A club hours after Mourinho was dismissed.
"I know no other way but dedication, daily sacrifices, and giving everything I have in order to face the challenges that await us from now until the end of the season," said De Rossi in a statement.
However, Mourinho's contract was due to expire in June and although he had repeatedly stated that he wanted to stay on, talks about an extension to his deal never materialised.
Rumours of his departure grew more persistent after Sunday's dismal 3-1 defeat at AC Milan which left Roma ninth in Serie A, five points away from the Champions League positions.
"We would like to thank Jose on behalf of all of us at AS Roma for his passion and efforts since his arrival at the club," said owners Dan and Ryan Friedkin in a statement.