The Portuguese manager Jose Mourinho, often acclaimed as the ‘Special One,’ is among the most decorated managers ever. He has managed some of soccer’s biggest stars and delivered immense success wherever he has coached, from the Premier League and La Liga to Serie A.
In January, he was sacked from his most recent managerial position at the Italian club Roma, following a defeat to AC Milan. It marked the end of his third season with the Serie A side, whom he joined in 2021 and led to European glory. Recently, he has revealed an intriguing reason why he cannot visit Africa.
Jose Mourinho reveals why he can’t go to Africa
Jose Mourinho is currently without a club after departing from Roma and has been linked with a move that would reunite him with former Spurs player Harry Kane at Bayern Munich. This potential move comes amid speculation that Thomas Tuchel is facing criticism due to his recent disappointing results.
For the first time since leaving the Italian capital, the former Chelsea boss appeared publicly on ‘Rio Ferdinand Presents FIVE,’ hosted by the former Manchester United icon. During the show, he touched upon various topics from his illustrious career, including his relationship with former players.
The 61-year-old revealed his admiration for the African continent and shared a fascinating reason that prevents him from visiting it. He attributed this to the overwhelming affection from fans in Africa and the number of stars he has coached.
He revealed, “I cannot go to Africa….too much everywhere. Because, you know, I had, you know Didier Drogba Kalou – Ivory Coast, Geremi – Cameroon, Obi Mikel – Nigeria, Essien – Ghana, I have guys worldwide. Every time I go to Africa I cannot walk. The guys they love me.”
“Even in Europe with many African guys people really love me. To be honest I love the guys and I feel that the African player is very loyal and very pure. “But you know this affection exists you know I love the guys I love to work with the African players.” He added further.
Top 3 African players coached by Jose Mourinho
Jose Mourinho has worked with numerous African star players during his tenures at Stamford Bridge, Real Madrid, and Inter Milan. Here are the top three players who have flourished under his management.
The Ivorian legend Didier Drogba is the most successful African to have played under the Portuguese manager. The duo worked together at Chelsea, winning four EPL titles and the Champions League. Drogba also finished as the Premier League’s top scorer twice.
Secondly, Michael Essien, the Ghanaian midfielder played for Chelsea and Real Madrid under Mourinho’s guidance. The two shared a special bond and won the Premier League and the Champions League together. Essien was a key member of the Blues’ squad alongside Didier Drogba.
Benni McCarthy, the legendary South African, was the first in a long list of African players that José Mourinho has coached. McCarthy was a key player at Porto, scoring 39 goals and providing 9 assists in 57 games. He was part of Porto’s continental treble-winning team in 2004 and was the top scorer in the Liga NOS.
