Former Chelsea and Roma manager Jose Mourinho has confessed his admiration for African players and the continent.
In addition to his success in European club football, Mourinho is renowned for boosting his squad with players of African descent.
During his stay at Chelsea, the Portuguese coach brought Ivorian duo Didier Drogba, Salomon Kalou, Camrroon’s Geremi Nijtap, Ghana’s Michael Essien, Egypt’s Mohamed Salah and Nigeria’s John Obi Mikel to Stamford Bridge.
He recalled his last trip to Africa and how he was showered with love by the people of the continent.
“I cannot go to Africa,” Mourinho told FIVE. “Too much everywhere. Because, you know, I had, you know Didier Drogba, Ivory Coast, Geremi – Cameroon, Kalou – Ivory Coast, Obi Mikel – Nigeria, Essien – Ghana, I have guys all around the world.
“Every time I go to Africa I cannot walk. The guys they love me. Even in Europe with many African guys people really loves me. To be honest I love the guys and I feel that the African player is very loyal and very pure.”
Mourinho who was recently sacked by AS Roma, revealed in an interview that he is a close friend of Nigeria coach Jose Peseiro having grown up together in Portugal.
Mourinho further explained why the continent has a special place in his heart.
He continued: “Many of them they call me daddy and some of them they are almost my age when when Essien calls me daddy I say “Michael, come on don’t call me daddy, you’re almost my age.”
“But you know this affection exists you know I love the guys I love to work with the African players.
“I think I take the best out of the guys. I think the guys they see me somebody that really loves them and admire their qualities as players and persons I always loved and I always had great response from African players.”
