Renowned football manager José Mourinho has paid glowing tribute to Africa and its footballing talent, revealing that his immense popularity on the continent makes it difficult for him to move freely whenever he visits.
Speaking in an interview, the former Chelsea, Real Madrid and Manchester United coach said his long-standing relationship with African footballers has earned him deep admiration from fans across the continent.
“I can’t go to Africa,” Mourinho remarked. “I have too many fans there — everywhere, really.”
Mourinho attributed this widespread affection to the many African stars he has coached during his illustrious career. He cited former Chelsea and Inter Milan players such as Didier Drogba and Salomon Kalou of Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon’s Geremi Njitap and Samuel Eto’o, Nigeria’s John Obi Mikel, as well as Ghanaian midfielders Michael Essien and Sulley Muntari.
“I have worked with players from all over Africa,” he said. “Whenever I go there, I can’t even walk. People show me so much love.”
The Portuguese tactician is widely respected in Africa not only for his trophy-laden career but also for the trust he placed in African players at the highest level of European football. Under Mourinho, several of these stars enjoyed the most successful periods of their careers, winning league titles, domestic cups and European honours.
His comments have once again highlighted Africa’s significant contribution to global football and the enduring bond between the continent’s players and one of the game’s most decorated managers.