JOSE MOURINHO REGRETS some of the much-referenced rows he had with departing Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger.
The veteran Frenchman announced last week he would conclude his near 22-year stay in north London at the end of this season.
Mourinho described Wenger as a “specialist in failure” eight years into a trophy-less spell at Emirates Stadium and they have clashed frequently throughout the Portuguese’s time in English football.
Wenger’s comments about Chelsea’s transfer policy in 2005 also led to Mourinho calling his rival a “voyeur” in one of the more unseemly episodes between the pair.
The managers have since patched up their differences, with the Manchester United boss even suggesting they could become friends, and Mourinho feels some of the spats between himself and Wenger over the years crossed the line.
“There were little things it would obviously be better without – some gestures, some words,” Mourinho told reporters ahead of Sunday’s Premier League game against Arsenal at Old Trafford.
It’s obviously better without. I feel better now without [insults]. When I arrived in England in 2004, they were champions, and famous champions — the ‘Invincibles’.
“Then I arrive [at Chelsea], the next few years it was with them [battles for the title].
“It was an amazing team. So thank you very much for that. They pushed us to the limits. The two matches we played at Highbury, that amazing old stadium, were unforgettable. So thank you, thank you so much for that.
“Do I regret the little negative episodes? Yes, and I’m sure he does too.”
Wenger and Mourinho have won three Premier League titles apiece and the Portuguese suggested Arsenal helped push United to success under the great Alex Ferguson, another who had regular public arguments with the 68-year-old.
“I always feel the biggest rivals are our biggest friends because they’re the ones who push us to the limits,” added Mourinho. “And I think Manchester United fans know that until about 2004 it was between United and Arsenal, Sir Alex and Mr Wenger.
“I think these great teams Arsenal had, the great fights with Man United, made Man United better and better. I hope they [United supporters] have that feeling and a good reaction, or at least not a bad one at all. I think he’ll feel the respect we have.”
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Fairplay to him, a good honest man doing the good honest thing
@Big Smoke: funny how he’s realising the error on his ways when he himself is in decline as a manager. Surely these last 3 seasons have been a failure for him. I know he won two cups last season but realistically they were second tier cups
@Alana: the lift is still broken I see
@thatsnotme: surely you have to admit that the track record Jose has for winning titles and CLs that the last 3 seasons have been poor. Jose was a short term specialist manager who won titles and left. He can not seem to do that the last 3 seasons
@Alana: get some help like a good lad
@thatsnotme: ah Johnny bravo I knew it was you always with the personal insults and never contribute to the conversation
@Alana:
Agreed Alana.
At the start of manager career
Porto 2002-2004 2 League, 1 UEFA Cup, 1 Champion League
Chelsea 2004-2007 2 League 1FA Cup 2League Cup
Inter Milan 2009-2010 2 League 1 Champion League
Real Madrid 2010-2012 1 League
Chelsea 2014-2016 1 League
Man Utd 2016-Present 0 League 1 Europa League 1 League Cup
League cup/FA Cup/Europa Cup nearly unacceptable for Mourinho reign as he has spend millions with Man Utd and not an arse roar near winning a champion league or league for Man Utd.
@Mícheál Moran: spot on but some people on here ignore facts and just throw personal insults
give over will ya, if you are regular visitor to the 42 comments section you will see that Jamie is a serial wind up merchant banging the same drum the whole time
@Alana: call me anything you want or anybody you want I will not engage in your stupidity trolling
Wheres the best spice bag in Leinster?
@davemck: Kung Fu inCarlow
3rd time today