Why Jose Mourinho was at the Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou fight

Jose Mourinho may be out of work right now, but that doesn’t mean he’s staying out of the spotlight.

The Portuguese boss was given the boot at Roma in January after a traditional downturn in results, having led the club to two European finals – winning the inaugural Europa Conference League – in the two seasons prior.

Now a free agent, Mourinho was spotted in Saudi Arabia in Friday night, watching on as heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua took on former UFC champions Francis Ngannou.

Before Joshua knocked Ngannou out in the second round, Mourinho’s presence was televised by broadcasters DAZN, who labelled the out-of-work 61-year-old simply as a ‘Portuguese football manager’.

Mourinho quickly congratulated Joshua on his win after the bout, replying “You’re incredible” after AJ had called him “My guy”.

Mourinho had earlier attended the Egypt Cup final at Al Awwal Stadium in Riyadh, bringing out the trophy alongside legends Ronaldo and Francesco Totti before shaking hands with players from competing teams Zamalek and Al Ahly.

The former Chelsea and Real Madrid manager is on the lookout for another job and admitted he is keen to get back to work as soon as possible, though admitted the opportunity must be the right one.

“I hope so,” he told Sky Sports. “I want [to manage]. Roma was great because we did two European finals in two years and that’s hard in a club that never did it.

“But now I have to wait for the right opportunity.

“I want to work tomorrow if possible, but I don’t want to make the wrong decision.”

Mourinho’s name has been sung by Chelsea supporters at recent games, with the Blues struggling in mid-table under current boss Mauricio Pochettino.

Newcastle have also been touted as a potential destination for Mourinho, who met the club’s chairman Yasir al-Rumayyan while attending the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.