Jose Mourinho brands African players as ‘very loyal and very pure’

Too much love or too many haters - here's why Jose Mourinho 'can't' go to Africa!

Jose Mourinho brands African players as ‘very loyal and very pure’

Jose Mourinho recently shared his love for African players (Via X/Football__Tweet)

The ‘Special One’ has a special way of giving heartfelt and insightful interviews every time he goes on record. In a recent interview, the Champions League winner revealed that he ‘cannot’ go to Africa, which at a single glance calls for concern. However, in a light-hearted revelation, the former AS Roma boss revealed that he cannot go to the continent for reasons of ‘abundance’ of love, and not the other way round.

Jose Mourinho has worked with several top players at multiple clubs, with a significant chunk of his dressing room being players of African origin. Mourinho has coached Didier Drogba, Michael Essien and John Obi Mikel, just to name a few. Mourinho revealed that he shares an intimate relationship with his former players from Africa, in an interview with Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand.

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Speaking for ‘Rio Ferdinand Presents FIVE’, he said:

I can't go to Africa, too much (fans) everywhere. Everytime I go to Africa, I can't walk. I had Drogba, Kalou, Obi Mikel, Essien. These guys love me. To be honest I love these guys and feel that African players are very loyal and pure.
Jose Mourinho said

Mourinho also added that the same happens in Europe, where many Africans behave similarly to him. Mourinho is currently out of work after parting ways with Serie A club AS Roma back in January.

Jose Mourinho commends ‘honest’ use of VAR at AFCON

AFCON, arguably the most iconic tournament in recent years, came to a close on Monday as Ivory Coast were crowned champions. Nigeria fell to the hosts as the final score read 2-1. However, Mourinho’s attention was aimed more at the officiating than it was at the actual football played. The former Chelsea and Real Madrid boss admitted that everyone could learn a thing or two from the way VAR was used at AFCON.

Mohamed Salah
Jose Mourinho was impressed by the ‘honest’ use of VAR at AFCON (Via X/@AfconHub)

Mourinho himself has been sent off multiple times for his antics on the touchline, with his most recent dismissal coming during his time at Roma. He said:

They are simply teaching us how to be honest. We saw the best out of every team because VAR was used exactly how it is supposed to be. They do not use it to help the money magnets or famous teams. It is for everyone.
Jose Mourinho said

Throwing shade at the custom in Europe, Mourinho said that the referees at AFCON even listened to players who appealed to check something that was missed by the official. He quickly added that had he done the same, it would only result in a quick red card. He also said that the headquarters of VAR should be shifted to the CAF (Africa).

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