Istanbul: Fenerbah§e announced Friday that Portuguese coach Jose Mourinho has parted ways with the club, just two days after the Turkish giants were eliminated from the UEFA Champions League playoffs by Benfica.

According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, the decision abruptly ends Mourinho's brief tenure in Istanbul, which began in June 2024. The club expressed gratitude for Mourinho's service and wished him well in future endeavors. Mourinho's arrival was celebrated by fans hoping to end a decade-long Super Lig title drought.

Mourinho, 62, was welcomed as the 'Special One' at Chobani Stadium, with supporters showing enthusiasm and high expectations. His impressive resume, featuring two UEFA Champions League titles and multiple domestic championships, made him a prominent choice for Fenerbah§e's ambitions against rivals Galatasaray.

Despite the anticipation, Mourinho's tenure did not result in any major trophies. Fenerbah§e finished second in the 2024-25 Super Lig, 11 points behind Galatasaray, and exited the Turkish Cup in the quarterfinals. Their Europa League journey ended in the round of 16 against Rangers.

Throughout 62 matches, Mourinho's team achieved 37 victories, resulting in a 59.7% win rate. However, this fell short of the expectations set by his high-profile hiring. The decisive moment was the Champions League playoff against Benfica, where Fenerbah§e failed to advance, impacting both financially and reputationally.

Reports suggest that Mourinho's public criticism of the club's transfer policies and squad depth heightened tensions, contributing to the decision to part ways. His time in Istanbul was marked by controversies, consistent with his reputation. Notably, he faced disciplinary actions, including fines and bans, for incidents during matches against Galatasaray.

The timing of Mourinho's departure aligns with managerial changes in Istanbul, as Besiktas also dismissed Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Fenerbah§e president Ali Koc, initially supportive of Mourinho, ultimately reversed his stance due to pressure from the board and fans.

Speculation about Mourinho's next move hints at potential returns to the Premier League. Meanwhile, Fenerbah§e is preparing for their Super Lig match against Gen§lerbirligi and searching for a new manager, with several names mentioned in media reports.

Mourinho's exit from Istanbul adds to his history of high-profile departures, yet his legacy as one of football's greatest managers remains significant, with 26 major trophies across various countries.