Portuguese manager Jose Mourinho has cited loyalties as reason for his interest in African footballers.
The former Chelsea manager has worked with a chunk of African players including Samuel Eto’o, Didier Drogba, Solomon Kalou, Ghanaian duo of Michael Essien and Sulley Muntari and others.
Speaking on Vibe on Five Podcast, the former Real Madrid manager indicated African players are loyal and pure, hence his huge interest in them.
“Every time I go to Africa I cannot walk. The guys, they love me. Even in Europe many of the African guys love me. And to be honest, I love the guys and I feel that the African player is very loyal and very pure. Many of them call me daddy and some of them are almost my age.
When Essien calls me daddy, I say ‘Come on Michael, don’t call me daddy you are almost my age,” he said.
Essien rose to fame under Mourinho during their spell with English Premier League giants Chelsea.
The Portuguese manager also worked with Sulley Muntari at Inter Milan, where they won treble.
