Former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho returned to Stamford Bridge on Monday, declaring his enduring affection for the club ahead of managing his current side, Benfica, in their Champions League match on Tuesday.
The 62-year-old, who guided Chelsea to seven major trophies including three Premier League titles, insisted, “I will always be a Blue.”
However, Mourinho drew a clear line between sentiment and duty: “It will be my Chelsea before the start of the game and after the game but during the game it’s my Benfica and that’s all that matters.”
Mourinho recently took over at Benfica, the club where he began his managerial career, following his sacking from Fenerbahce in August.
Addressing the media in a room adorned with pictures of his trophy triumphs, the ‘Special One’ appeared relaxed and ready to embrace his “legend status,” despite his later spells with rival clubs.