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Jose Mourinho Leaves Fenerbahce With Massive Hotel Bill After 15 Months Of Luxury Stay In Istanbul

When it comes to Jose Mourinho, drama is never far away — and his latest chapter in Turkey has proven just that.

After 15 months at Fenerbahce, the “Special One” has not only left behind mixed footballing memories but also an eye-watering hotel bill that’s turning heads across Europe. According to reports from Yenicag Gazetesi, Mourinho’s extended stay at the luxurious Four Seasons Hotel in Istanbul cost the club an astonishing ₺36.5 million (roughly €747,000 or £656,000).

Rather than settling for a private home in the city, Mourinho opted for the plush riverside comfort of the Four Seasons — a venue boasting five restaurants, two pools, a spa, and a fitness suite. With rooms starting at about £1,000 per night, the Portuguese tactician clearly chose class over cost.

Unfortunately, his time in Turkey didn’t go quite as smoothly as his hotel service. Mourinho managed 62 games at the helm but failed to qualify for the 2025–26 UEFA Champions League, prompting Fenerbahce to show him the door nearly a year before his contract’s expiry.

Speaking after his exit, Mourinho was candid about his misstep:

“I made a mistake going to Fenerbahce; it wasn’t my cultural level, it wasn’t my football level, it wasn’t my level. Obviously, I gave everything until the last day.”

Fenerbahce’s former president Ali Koç shed more light on the decision, citing footballing philosophy as a key factor:

“We needed a more dominant style of play. Earning 99 goals and 99 points is our genetic code. Mourinho’s approach worked in Europe, but in Turkey, we need to crush opponents.”

Despite the bitter ending, Mourinho’s stint will be remembered for more than just tactics — it’s a story of grandeur, luxury, and a bill that could fund a small academy.

One thing is certain: when Mourinho moves, he does it in Special One style — even if it comes with a price tag that makes headlines.

At Sports Market International, we bring you the most intriguing stories from the global sports scene — from pitchside performances to boardroom drama. For the best sports blog covering the sports market, keep it locked here.

Abdul Noah Ocholi

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