José Mourinho has disclosed that he agreed to replace Sir Alex Ferguson as Manchester United manager in 2013, but later withdrew from the arrangement in tears so he could return to Chelsea.
The football community was stunned when the legendary Scottish coach announced his retirement after guiding United to their 13th Premier League championship during an era of extraordinary success at Old Trafford.
United have not regained their position at the summit of English football since Ferguson’s departure. David Moyes, who initially replaced him, was dismissed after just 10 months.
Mourinho eventually took charge in 2016 and remained in the role for two and a half years. However, in a new Netflix documentary about his career, he says he had originally accepted the job three years earlier.
The Portuguese coach explained that although he returned to Chelsea in 2013, there was an agreement that had never previously been made public. He said he felt able to discuss it because telling the truth would not harm anyone, revealing that after leaving Real Madrid he had signed a contract to succeed Ferguson at Manchester United.
Mourinho said he was deeply honoured by the opportunity because of United’s enormous stature. While he considers Real Madrid the world’s biggest club, he believes United are not far behind.
He added that a passion for football is different from an emotional attachment to a particular club. For him, that personal bond was stronger, and after his time in Madrid he needed to feel valued and wanted.
Ferguson, who also appears in the documentary, said he initially believed Mourinho would accept the position, only for the circumstances to change within hours.
Ferguson recalled receiving an emotional telephone call from Mourinho early that evening. Mourinho told him he could not take the job because he had already promised Chelsea he would return and was unwilling to break his word. Ferguson understood the explanation, although he admitted feeling disappointed.
Mourinho had already developed a close connection with Chelsea after winning two Premier League championships, one FA Cup and two League Cups during his first period at the club.
After leaving Real Madrid, Mourinho resolved his disagreements with Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich and returned to Stamford Bridge. He secured another league title and League Cup before being dismissed in December 2015.
Mourinho, who is now managing Real Madrid again, described missing the chance to directly replace Ferguson as a painful experience. Nevertheless, he said he has no regrets because he followed his emotions when making the decision.
He said that choices made out of genuine affection should not be regarded as mistakes, emphasizing that love was the reason behind his return.
Mourinho added that going back to Chelsea felt like coming home, but it also brought considerable pressure because he wanted to protect rather than damage the legacy created during his first spell.
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