“I want to stay but I deserve more.” The sentence to the Friedkins, the medal given to the child, the speech to him-Corriere.it

This time Jos is not enough and Dybala’s sumptuous play is not even enough in a sparkling first half, made up of play, soul and heart. Sevilla comeback and take home the seventh out of seven Europa League finals after a 146-minute battle and arrived at the dramatic epilogue of the penalty shoot-out. Mourinho has to bow his head for the first time. He had won five finals, lost the sixth and the silver medal, the consolation prize, he gave it to a boy in the stands: I only have the gold ones. Unlucky and angry. It seemed that he felt it after the illusory 1-0. Not even a beat while everyone was celebrating around him. The shaman, however, signaled to remain calm. He wanted to bring Roma into history, to give his people the second consecutive trophy after last year’s Conference against Feyenoord. And instead the dream breaks. Football is so, sometimes cruel. Mou knows it well. He remains the reference of a people who would not want to do without their leader for next season, the man who fills the Olimpico every game. Mourinho also remains the point of reference for the team who would throw themselves into the fire for him.

In the end, after the awards ceremony, while the Andalusians celebrate on the lawn of the Puskas Arena, the coach calls his disciples together. The long and heartfelt king’s speech: You have played a great game in front of Europe. You win and you lose together. Be proud of the journey you have made. In the end everyone cried, the players on the pitch, especially Dybala and the fans in the stands. And everyone, in their moment of desperation, wonders what the future of their beloved Portuguese will be.

Mou does not hide: Monday will go on vacation and vacations are vacations. But until that day we have time to meet and talk. Now I can not objectively say that I will stay. For I would like to do it. I want to stay at Roma. For my players they deserve more and I deserve more too. It seems paradoxical, but it’s better not to play in the Champions League next season because we’re not ready. Still on the future: I’m serious, when I had contacts I said it, now nobody has called me. The word passes to the silent Friedkins, without forgetting that Mourinho still has one year on his contract. An inevitable meeting. Mou wants guarantees, he wants a stronger team and a more present ownership.

Meanwhile there are bitter words about the match: The referee seemed Spanish, says Mourinho with his usual polemical vein. We died, died of exhaustion and disappointment. The unfair outcome and there would be a lot of episodes to rewatch. For I am proud of my boys. We gave everything and took things seriously. We lost, but we did it with dignity. Roma was up to the task.

Mou is a crazy communicator of emotions, already in the game two hours before kick-off. And he lives the final as if he were playing. Calm at first, then increasingly agitated until he became furious in extra time, so much so as to get another yellow card. The symbol of a team that is not perfect, but which never gives up, faithful to its coach and which, exhausted, only surrenders on penalties. A crazy ending. Pure adrenaline. There is everything in the infinite game. Opportunities, mistakes, quarrels. Mourinho finally greets the twenty thousand fans and is almost moved. People all for him. The open game. Roma lost the final but perhaps they will be able to retain their symbol, the man who has restored pride and confidence. The present one night to cancel. The future is hope. The next few days will be decisive. We need a meeting. And a handshake. Mourinho is closer to Roma. But it depends on the Friedkins, father and son.