José Mourinho has categorically denied rumors suggesting he is attempting to lure his compatriot Cristiano Ronaldo from Al-Nassr to join him at Fenerbahçe. The Portuguese coach, now at the helm of the Turkish giants, dismissed the claims as either baseless speculation or outright incompetence from those spreading such news.

“Anyone suggesting that Ronaldo will play for Fenerbahçe either doesn’t understand football or is satisfied spreading ridiculous stories,” Mourinho stated during an interview with beIN Sports. “Ronaldo could come to Istanbul for lunch — it’s almost halfway between Saudi Arabia and Portugal. Or, he might hop on his private jet to visit an old friend, and we could have a meal at my hotel. But play for Fenerbahçe? That’s nonsense.”

Mourinho’s strong rebuttal comes amidst persistent rumors linking the 38-year-old Ronaldo with a return to Europe, despite his successful stint in Saudi Arabia. For now, it seems any reunion between Mourinho and Ronaldo will remain off the pitch — and strictly social.