Jose Mourinho has shared why he turned down the opportunity to take over at Manchester United in 2013, ultimately deciding to go back to Chelsea instead.
In a recent Netflix documentary, the Portuguese manager opened up about the circumstances surrounding his decision, stating that he initially agreed to succeed Sir Alex Ferguson.
“When I left Real Madrid, I signed a contract to join Manchester United after Sir Alex,” Mourinho said.
He explained that while he was flattered to be considered for the United role, the club's allure was quite substantial.
“But loving football is one thing, while loving a specific club is another. I think that outweighs the love for football, and after my time at Madrid, I needed to feel loved,” he elaborated.
Mourinho confessed that missing the chance to be the manager to replace Ferguson was dramatic, but he does not regret his choice, emphasising that it was a decision made from the heart.
“For me, losing the chance to be the manager who succeeds Sir Alex Ferguson was dramatic, but I do not regret it because it was a decision I made with my heart,” he shared.
Despite turning down the initial offer, Mourinho did eventually become Manchester United's manager, taking charge from 2016 to 2018. During his tenure, he led the Red Devils to triumph in the Europa League, the EFL Cup, and the FA Community Shield.
