Jose Mourinho shared a funny incident where he had to ask Ghanaian legend Michael Essien to stop calling him a certain nickname. In his first interview after leaving Roma, Mourinho discussed a range of topics, including his former clubs Manchester United and Chelsea, and the owners of Roma. He also spoke about his relationships with some of his ex-players, such as Essien, who played for him at Chelsea.Mou reveals he turned down England in 2007Mourinho disclosed that he has always trusted African players on his team. He shared a close bond with his former Ghanaian midfielder. However, the 61-year-old manager revealed that Essien used to refer to him as “daddy” which made him a little uncomfortable. Therefore, he requested that Essien stop using the nickname.
Mourinho has likewise shared strong relationships with players such as Didier Drogba, Salomon Kalou and John Obi Mikel, though the charismatic Portuguese joked it means he cannot set foot in Africa.”I cannot go to Africa. Too much fanfare everywhere. Because, you know, I had, you know, Didier Drogba – Ivory Coast, Geremi – Cameroon, Kalou – Ivory Coast, Obi Mikel – Nigeria, Essien – Ghana, I have guys all around the world. Every time I go to Africa, I cannot walk. The guys love me. Even in Europe, with many African guys, people really love me. To be honest, I love the guys, and I feel that the African player is very loyal and very pure.”##NAJAVA_MECA_7881571##The bond has always been strong between African players and the Portuguese coach because Mou always needed loyal soldier on the pitch and in the dressing room.”Many of them they call me daddy, and some of them they are almost my age. When Essien calls me daddy, I say ‘, Michael, Come on, don’t call me daddy, we’re almost my age’. But you know this affection exists you know I love the guys I love to work with the African players. I think I take the best out of the guys. I think the guys see me as somebody that really loves them and admires their qualities as players in persons I always loved, and I always had great responses from African players.”