Mourinho spoke so openly for the first time: The reason I left Fener is that player.

Mourinho spoke so openly for the first time: The reason I left Fener is that player.

24.10.2025 17:31

Benfica's head coach Jose Mourinho commented on the process regarding Kerem Aktürkoğlu's transfer to Fenerbahçe, saying, "Perhaps one of the reasons for my departure from Fenerbahçe was the disappointment of not being able to acquire that player, whom I consider very important in terms of my understanding of the game, from Benfica."

Jose Mourinho, who came to Fenerbahçe with great expectations but was sent away after disappointing performances, has become the new coach of the Portuguese giant Benfica. Speaking to the Portuguese press, Mourinho made a striking statement regarding the transfer of Kerem Aktürkoğlu.

"ONE OF THE REASONS FOR LEAVING FENERBAHÇE..."

Addressing the difficulties faced in transfers during his time at Fenerbahçe, Mourinho stated at a press conference held at Benfica, "Perhaps one of the reasons for my departure from Fenerbahçe was the disappointment of not being able to acquire that player, whom I considered very important in terms of my playing philosophy, from Benfica."

The Portuguese coach expressed that the failure to transfer Kerem Aktürkoğlu directly affected his plans at Fenerbahçe.

"I COULDN'T ACQUIRE HIM EITHER AT FENERBAHÇE OR BENFICA"

Mourinho noted that the transfer of Kerem Aktürkoğlu was a critical turning point for both teams, stating, "It's very sad, but indirectly I contributed to the change in Benfica's squad. This is my fault. I did everything to include him in my squad, but in the end, I couldn't acquire him either at Fenerbahçe or at Benfica."

HE LEFT FENERBAHÇE BUT DOESN'T LEAVE THE AGENDA

Despite months passing since his departure from Fenerbahçe, it is noteworthy that Jose Mourinho frequently makes statements regarding his former club. The Portuguese coach clearly expressed his regret that the transfer of Kerem Aktürkoğlu did not coincide with his time there.

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