Following years of rumours, Jose Mourinho has revealed that he initially accepted the opportunity to succeed Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United in 2013, only to reverse his decision and return to Chelsea.
Speaking in a new Netflix documentary series about his career, the 63-year-old coach, now in his second spell with Real Madrid, said he had agreed to join Manchester United after leaving the Spanish club.
Ferguson confirmed that Mourinho had been offered the position. The Scot retired in 2013 after winning 13 Premier League championships during his 26 years at Old Trafford.
Ferguson said he met with Mourinho to outline the circumstances and believed the Portuguese manager had accepted the role. However, the situation changed only hours later.
Mourinho reconsidered because he felt unable to reject the chance to return to Chelsea, where he had secured back-to-back Premier League titles in 2005 and 2006.
According to Ferguson, Mourinho called him one evening in tears and explained that he had already given Chelsea his word and did not want to break that promise.
The former United manager said he understood Mourinho’s reasoning, although the outcome still left him disappointed.
Mourinho described the offer to follow Ferguson as a great honour, acknowledging Manchester United’s enormous attraction and stature.
He explained, however, that a passion for football is different from the emotional connection someone can have with one particular club.
Mourinho believed that attachment could outweigh his general love of the sport, adding that after leaving Real Madrid he needed to feel valued and appreciated.
Although missing the opportunity to directly replace Ferguson was painful, Mourinho said he had no regrets because he followed his heart when making the decision.
After returning to Stamford Bridge in 2013, Mourinho added a third Premier League championship and another League Cup to his collection of trophies.
He received another opportunity to manage United in May 2016, when he took over from Louis van Gaal.
During his two and a half years at Old Trafford, Mourinho guided the club to League Cup and Europa League success. A downturn in performances eventually led to his dismissal in December 2018.
In May this year, Mourinho began another spell at Real Madrid. His previous tenure there had ended bitterly after disagreements with captain Iker Casillas and several other members of the squad.
Before Mourinho’s return to Real, the outspoken coach and Casillas, the former Spain goalkeeper, discussed the causes of their past conflict openly.
Mourinho also addressed the challenges in his relationship with former Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich, who appointed him on two occasions and dismissed him both times.
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