Jose Mourinho has been talking to the press in Italy and has admitted Tottenham Hotspur is the one club he never had a ‘close relationship’ with during his managerial career.
The Portuguese coach has won trophies everywhere he has gone, from Chelsea and Manchester United in England, to Real Madrid over in Spain, and Inter Milan and Roma in Italy.
He made his name when he helped Portuguese side Porto win the UEFA Cup in 2003, and then won the Champions League the following year.
Mourinho took over at Tottenham in November 2019 following the sacking of Mauricio Pochettino. He lasted just 17 months before being sacked himself, just days before the Carabao Cup final.
He has since gone on to coach AS Roma, and has been fairly successful there. Mourinho won the Europa Conference League last season, and has now led Roma to the Europa League final this year.
Speaking at a press conference on Thursday ahead of next Wednesday’s Europa League final, Mourinho said as quoted by Metro: “The reality is that… I hope the Tottenham fans don’t get me wrong but the only club in my career where I don’t have still a deep feeling for is Tottenham.
“Probably because the stadium was empty, Covid time. Probably because Mr Levy didn’t let me win a final and win a trophy.
“But it’s the only one. So after that – Porto, Chelsea, Inter, Real Madrid, Manchester United – all the clubs I feel a connection.’
He added: “Maybe people [will say] you cannot love every club – yes, I love every club!
“I love every club because I always felt it the other way around, they also loved me.
“So Roma one day it will be hard [to leave], it will be hard. But we will be connected forever, like I am with all my previous club. Apart from Mr Levy club.”
Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images
Spurs Web Opinion
I can’t blame Mourinho for not having much of an affinity with Tottenham. He was only with us for a year and a half and had little chance to interact with the fans.
His time at the club ended in ridiculous fashion, too, having been deprived the chance to win a trophy despite getting us to a cup final.
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