Former Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho has waded into the row surrounding Sir Alex Ferguson’s axing as the club’s ambassador, and insists the legendary Scot’s continued adoration from the United faithful is more important to him than any financial gain from the role.
Ferguson, 81, had his £2.16m-a-year contract termination as part of widespread cost-cutting measures, sparking a backlash from his former players and staff. United manager Erik ten Hag downplayed the controversy, stating that Ferguson will continue to be involved with the team, but Mourinho, speaking ahead of his Fenerbahce side’s match against United, echoed ten Hag’s sentiments.
“My relationship with Sir Alex was amazing, incredible,” Mourinho reflected. “When my Netflix documentary comes out, you will know more about the reason why I have so much respect for him. The ambassadorial role, I really don’t know that situation. It doesn’t matter why, it doesn’t matter what, Sir Alex has the most important thing: the love and respect of every Manchester United fan around the world. That is more important than the role or a few pounds he can make.”
Mourinho also expressed his own bond with United, stating that he feels no ill will towards the club despite a tumultuous time under his management. “Honestly, I didn’t lose one minute thinking about it,” he said. “I wish the best to Man Utd since the moment I left. I left with a good feeling to the club, with a good feeling to the fans and I want the best for them. So if things are not going amazingly well for them, it’s not something that makes me happy. But at the same time, I have no time and it doesn’t make sense for me to be thinking about what happened or what didn’t happen.”
