Jose Mourinho revealed in a documentary that he signed a contract to succeed Sir Alex Ferguson as Manchester United supervisor in 2013 however tearfully turned again on the deal and returned to Chelsea.
The soccer world was rocked when the Scottish nice introduced he was retiring after overseeing a thirteenth Premier League title triumph throughout a spell of unrivalled dominance at Previous Trafford.
United have did not return to these heights since Ferguson stepped down, with successor David Moyes sacked after solely 10 months in cost.
Mourinho later took over as Manchester United supervisor in 2016, spending 2½ years in cost, however revealed in a brand new Netflix documentary “Mourinho” about his life that he had agreed to the function earlier.
“I’m going to Chelsea in 2013, however in that interval, there’s something no one is aware of,” Mourinho stated within the documentary. “I believe I can say as a result of I do not harm anybody with the reality, and I believe the target of this work that we’re doing is to inform the reality.
“Once I left Real Madrid, I signed with Manchester United to go to Manchester United after Sir Alex.”
Mourinho continued: “I used to be, after all, very flattered, as a result of Manchester United has an unimaginable attraction.
“Once I say Actual Madrid is the most important membership on the earth, I’ve to say that Manchester United may be very, very shut.
“However one factor is love for soccer, and one other factor is love for a sure membership.
“I believe that is extra highly effective than love for soccer and, essentially, after Actual Madrid, I wanted to really feel that I am liked.”
Ferguson was interviewed for the brand new documentary and admits that he was below the phantasm Mourinho was accepting the provide, however the scenario modified in a matter of hours.
“Early night, he phoned me, and he was crying,” the United nice stated. “And he says, ‘Alex, I can not take it — I’ve given my phrase to Chelsea, and I am not going to interrupt my phrase.’
“The rationale he gave to me I might perceive, however I used to be disenchanted.”
Mourinho had a powerful bond with Chelsea after main them to 2 Premier League titles, an FA Cup and two League Cups throughout an unforgettable first spell from 2004 to 2007.
Mourinho overcame variations with proprietor Roman Abramovich to return to Stamford Bridge after leaving Actual Madrid, profitable one other league crown and League Cup earlier than being fired in December 2015.
“For me to lose the possibility to be the coach to succeed Sir Alex Ferguson was dramatic, however I do not remorse as a result of it was a choice that I made with my coronary heart,” Mourinho, now again accountable for Actual Madrid, stated.
“And I believe it’s nature that claims one thing that while you do one thing for love, you might be by no means doing something mistaken. I believe it is nature. I did it for love.
“I went again with the sensation of, sure, I’m going house, however with large accountability as a result of what I did earlier than is historical past, and you do not need to destroy your legacy.”
Mourinho’s first LaLiga recreation as Actual Madrid coach is at Espanyol on Aug. 22 as he tries to assist the workforce rebound from a 2025-26 marketing campaign that returned no trophies.
Data from PA was used on this report.
