Former Cameroon striker Samuel Eto’o has showered praises on Jose Mourinho, saying he is one of the nicest people in football.
The just-retired striker was speaking at a La Liga event in Madrid which also had Jose Mourinho and Tebas (La Liga president) in attendance.
Mourinho managed Eto’o for one season at Inter Milan and also for a year at Chelsea, but the two formed an everlasting bond. In the lone season they spent together at the San Siro, Inter did the treble, winning the Italian Serie A, Champions League and Coppa Italia, all which Eto’o played a major part in.
While Mourinho has won in every country has managed, he has also got into feuds with players, press and opposition managers. He’s seen as egoistical by many, but Eto’o believes that is not true.
The former Barcelona striker believes he is one of the best people in football. “There’s one thing I am tired of saying, justifying that Jose Mourinho is one of the best people in the World of football. And that it is it really, Eto’o said.
The 38-year-old also revealed the former Manchester United manager was the first person to call him as soon as he announced his retirement. “I announced that I was retiring from football, and the first person to send a message was this man, pointing to Jose.
🇨🇲 @SEtoo9 on Jose Mourinho:
🗣 "I'm tired of justifying that Jose Mourinho is one of the best people in the world of football."
📱 " I announced that I was retiring from football and the first person to send me a message was this man."
👊 Respect for the Special One. pic.twitter.com/pPdFLUCKYt
— SPORF (@Sporf) September 13, 2019
“Because I owe you. I have had many people, coaches, friends with whom I speak with every day, but the one who sent me a message was him, Eto’o added.