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Jose Mourinho reveals why he can’t visit Africa now
By Monsurah Olatunji
Former Chelsea and AS Roma manager Jose Mourinho explained why he will not be visiting the African continent anytime soon.
The “Special One” as he is popularly called shared a light-hearted reason behind his reluctance to visit Africa despite having a record of working with African players.
Having managed football stars such as Didier Drogba, Michael Essien, John Obi-Mikel, and others during his tenure at Chelsea and other European clubs, Mourinho has formed lasting relationships with his African contingent.
He visited Nigeria while coaching Italian giants, Inter Milan in 2009. He also visited Ivory Coast as a United Nations ambassador for the World Food Programme around 2014.
The Portuguese also has an affinity to the continent as he is married to an Angolan, Matilde Faria.
Speaking in an engaging conversation on Rio Ferdinand’s podcast, VIBE with FIVE, Mourinho pointed out the challenges of moving around due to the adoration he receives from fans.
“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 love me.
“To be honest I love the guys and I feel that the African player is very loyal and very pure.”
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