Jose Mourinho has revealed that he had a deal to succeed Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United in 2013, only to tearfully turn it down and return to Chelsea.
Sir Alex shocked the football world when he announced his retirement after overseeing a 13th Premier League title triumph during a spell of unrivalled dominance at Old Trafford. Since then, United have been unable to regain the Premier League title, with successor David Moyes sacked after only 10 months in charge.
Revelation in Netflix documentary
Mourinho has now revealed in his new Netflix documentary that despite taking charge of the team in 2016, he had already signed an agreement to replace Ferguson as manager three years prior, which he then went back on.
“I go to Chelsea in 2013 but in that period there is something nobody knows,” the Portuguese manager said in ‘Mourinho’. “I think I can say because I don’t hurt anyone with the truth, and I think the objective of this work that we are doing is to tell the truth.
“When I left Real Madrid, I signed with Manchester United to go to Manchester United after Sir Alex.”
Mourinho's explanation
Mourinho added: “I was, of course, very flattered, because Manchester United has an incredible appeal. When I say Real Madrid is the biggest club in the world, I have to say that Manchester United is very, very close.
“But one thing is love for football, and another thing is love for a certain club. I think this is more powerful than love for football and, fundamentally, after Real Madrid, I needed to feel that I’m loved.”
Ferguson's account
Ferguson was one of the footballing figures interviewed for the new documentary and admits he was under the illusion Mourinho was accepting the offer, only for the situation to change in a matter of hours.
“Early evening he phoned me and he was crying,” the United great said. “And he says, ‘Alex, I can’t take it – I’ve given my word to Chelsea, and I’m not going to break my word’. The reason he gave to me I could understand, but I was disappointed.”
Mourinho's Chelsea bond
Mourinho had a strong bond with Chelsea after leading them to two Premier League titles, an FA Cup and two League Cups during an unforgettable first spell. The Portuguese parked differences with owner Roman Abramovich to return to Stamford Bridge after leaving Real Madrid, winning another league crown and League Cup before being sacked in December 2015.
“For me to lose the chance to be the coach to succeed Sir Alex Ferguson was dramatic, but I don’t regret because it was a decision that I made with my heart,” Mourinho, now back in charge of Real Madrid, said. “And I think it is nature that says something that when you do something for love, you are never doing anything wrong. I think it’s nature. I did it for love.
“I went back with the feeling of, yes, I go home, but with big responsibility because what I did before is history, and you don’t want to destroy your legacy.”
