Former Manchester United and Roma boss Jose Mourinho has admitted that one “bizarre” – albeit iconic – moment changed the trajectory of his entire legendary managerial career.
The 61-year-old Portuguese manager is widely regarded as one of the best coaches of all time and has had a prolific career in England, Spain, Italy and Portugal.
Jose Mourinho achieved incredible success during his two separate spells at Stamford Bridge, including leading Chelsea to three Premier League titles.
The ‘Special One’ also made his mark at Old Trafford in his debut season, with Mourinho lifting both the League Cup and Europa League with Manchester United.
During his time in the Spanish capital, Mourinho led Real Madrid to both a La Liga title and a Copa del Rey.
The former Real Madrid and Chelsea manager had a prolific impact in Italy as well after he successfully led Inter Milan to an iconic continental treble win in 2010.
Mourinho has been out of management after his spell with Roma came to an end in January, with the ‘Special One’ recently sharing his stance on his future in football.
Mourinho on his life-changing moment
Before Manchester United, Chelsea, Real Madrid and Inter Milan, Jose Mourinho made a name for himself in his native homeland of Portugal.
The former Inter head coach had a prolific spell at Porto and led the Portuguese side to two Primeira Liga titles and the UEFA Cup in 2003.
However, Mourinho’s defining moment at Porto came with his Champions League triumph in 2004, hot on the heels of the Primeira Liga side’s UEFA Cup success.
Porto defeated French side Monaco 3-0 in the 2004 final of the Champions League, but Mourinho’s former club crossed paths with United earlier in the competition.
Mourinho’s men at the time sealed a 2-1 win over United in the first leg of the round of 16 tie, with Benni McCarthy scoring a brace at the Estadio do Dragao in Portugal.
United, led by Sir Alex Ferguson at the time, fought back in the second leg at Old Trafford and took the lead in the tie thanks to a first-half effort from Paul Scholes.
However, Costinha famously scored for Porto late into the second half and United were dumped out of the Champions League at the hands of Mourinho.
Mourinho produced one of the most iconic moments of his legendary career as he charged down the Old Trafford touchline after Costinha scored against United.
Speaking to The Daily Telegraph, he said: “I had so many bizarre celebrations over my career but that one is probably the one that changed the direction of my career.”
Mourinho on the impact of Porto spell
Mourinho’s success in Europe with Porto attracted fierce interest from clubs and the ‘Special One’ admitted everything changed after his touchline celebration.
“After the UEFA Cup [win in 2003] I started having some foreign clubs [interested in me] but not the big ones and not the Premier League,” he said.
“At that time you think, ‘I love it here. I have a good team, great president, great structure.
“I am going to win the Portuguese league again. Let’s enjoy the Champions League and see where it goes.’
“I had a feeling I could leave Portugal whenever I wanted but [then] not to one of the big ones.
“Honestly, it was after the Man United touchline run that the situation changed.”