Roma fans chant Jose Mourinho's name and hold up banners paying tribute

Roma supporters gushed with support for Jose Mourinho in their first game without the Portuguese after he was sacked by the Serie A club earlier in the week.

Mourinho appeared distraught to have lost his position at the Italian giants following two-and-a-half years in the country's capital during which time he led the club to European success.

Roma's legendary midfielder Daniele De Rossi has been placed in intermediate charge until the end of the season, but fans at the Stadio Olimpico for Saturday's match against Verona made their feelings clear.

Mourinho was tearful on the day he lost his position at the club as fans shouted 'thank you' in the direction of the 60-year-old. They have now showed their appreciation with mass demonstrations at the club stadium.

Banners and pictures of the former head coach were held up by those in the stands as Roma went on to record their first league win since December 23 with goals from Romelu Lukaku and Lorenzo Pellegrini earning a 2-1 victory.

One huge banner erected during the game honoured Mourinho's time spent at the club, read: 'Memories don't have contracts.

'The smiles you gave us and everything you stood up for our Romanismo will always be respected. Thanks, Mister!' 'You defended us against everything and everyone.

'Roma doesn't forget. Thank you Mr. Jose!' 'The only one to defend us, the last one to surrender. Obrigado Jose!' 'Few of us have represented us the way you did. Every Romanista will be grateful to you.'

'It was a privilege to have you on our side. Thank you, José!' 'Mou, one of us.' 'You defended our Roma, you led us to victory. José Mourinho, eternal glory!'

Other remembrance demonstrations also took place with chanting heard around the stadium at various points in the