So where does the manager formerly known as the Special One go from here?
Twice sacked by Chelsea, Jose Mourinho also left Inter Milan and Real Madrid under a cloud. A brilliant and successful coach, Mourinho is running out of options for his next job.
Assuming he will not want to manage a middle-class club, Europe's heavyweights will be wary of the baggage the Portuguese brings. Trophies may be guaranteed within the first two years, but his history shows the third year is as likely to bring unrest, a divided dressing room and a controversial departure.