- According to Ferguson, Mourinho called him and was crying as he explained that he could not accept the position.
- Mourinho explained that his emotional connection with Chelsea ultimately played a decisive role in his decision.
- The Portuguese manager would eventually take charge of Manchester United in 2016.
José Mourinho has revealed that he had signed a contract to succeed Sir Alex Ferguson as Manchester United manager in 2013, only to tearfully back out of the agreement and make a return to Chelsea.
The disclosure has emerged in a new Netflix documentary titled Mourinho, in which the current Real Madrid manager opened up about one of the biggest decisions of his managerial career.
Mourinho claimed that he had initially agreed to take charge of Manchester United following Ferguson's retirement in 2013. However, despite having committed to the Red Devils, he eventually decided to return to Stamford Bridge and continue his association with Chelsea.
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“I go to Chelsea in 2013 but in that period there is something nobody knows,” Mourinho said in the documentary. “I think I can say because I don’t hurt anyone with the truth, and I think the objective of this work that we are doing is to tell the truth.”
“When I left Real Madrid, I signed with Manchester United to go to Manchester United after Sir Alex.”
Mourinho Explains Why He Chose Chelsea
Mourinho admitted that the opportunity to manage Manchester United was extremely appealing, given the club's stature and history under Ferguson.
“I was, of course, very flattered, because Manchester United has an incredible appeal. When I say Real Madrid is the biggest club in the world, I have to say that Manchester United is very, very close,” he added.
However, Mourinho explained that his emotional connection with Chelsea ultimately played a decisive role in his decision.
“But one thing is love for football, and another thing is love for a certain club. I think this is more powerful than love for football and, fundamentally, after Real Madrid, I needed to feel that I’m loved.”
Sir Alex Ferguson Recalls Mourinho's Emotional Call
The documentary also features an interview with Sir Alex Ferguson, who recalled the emotional conversation he had with Mourinho after the Portuguese decided not to take the Manchester United job.
According to Ferguson, Mourinho called him and was crying as he explained that he could not accept the position because he had already promised Chelsea that he would return to Stamford Bridge.
“Early evening he phoned me and he was crying,” Ferguson said.
“And he says: ‘Alex, I can’t take it – I’ve given my word to Chelsea, and I’m not going to break my word.’ The reason he gave to me I could understand, but I was disappointed.”
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Mourinho eventually returned to Chelsea in 2013, while Manchester United appointed David Moyes as Ferguson's successor.
The Portuguese manager would eventually take charge of Manchester United in 2016, three years after the club's legendary manager had retired.
Mourinho won the Europa League, League Cup and Community Shield during his time at Old Trafford before leaving the club in December 2018.