Jose Mourinho discusses Roma, Inter, the Azzurri, and life

Jose Mourinho

won the Treble with Inter in 2010 before moving on to

, Chelsea, Manchester United, and

Tottenham

, and finally back to Italy with

last season.

Even though he's only in his second season with the Giallorossi, Mou has already helped them make history by winning their first UEFA tournament (the Conference League). When asked about the similarities between training fields around the world, Mourinho told Esquire Italia:

“I always say that training grounds are the same all over the world and the lifestyle is always the same; you go in at 7.30am and you leave at 6.30pm. So in that sense, it changes little whether you are living in an incredible city like Rome or a cold, dark and hidden away place. What changed in my life is that I am happy at this club and get along with everyone. I do feel happy in Italy.”

The Portuguese manager got a tattoo of the three UEFA trophies he has won because he was so affected by the celebrations after the Conference League success. 

“It was truly unforgettable. When we won the Champions League with Inter, I didn’t go to Milan because I wanted to join Real Madrid and felt that if I went back there, I would not be able to leave again. This time was different, I wanted to remain at Roma and continue with this club. At those moments, you realise that you don’t win for yourself, it’s not a personal joy. The people are everything, they show you what you’ve achieved and make you feel part of a truly special family."

“I had promised that tattoo to everyone, a tattoo only I could have: all three European Cups won. I could get another tattoo if my children were to have kids, that’d be a special way to celebrate it, but no more football-related tattoos.”

Although the Scudetto competition is once again wide open, Roma will have to fight for a spot in the top four to reach Europe. 

“Serie A had a difficult period after I left – but not because I left, just in case anyone thinks I’m saying that. The quality dropped and the league didn’t have much appeal abroad. However, coming back I found an exhilarating league, competitive, where players come from the Premier League."

“There are coaches with interesting ideas, who play attacking and ambitious football. Then there are clubs like Roma who are growing off the field, bringing more fans to the stadium, so the evolution is positive.”

may have won EURO 2020, but they didn't even make the cut for the 2022 World Cup in

Qatar

. Mourinho admitted, 

“If you love football, it is difficult to accept,” said Mourinho. “I grew up in the 1970s and 80s, so Italy were extraordinary at that time. The Azzurri have always been a reference point in world football."

“Working here, I feel that I can refute the argument Italian football just doesn’t have the talent pool, because that is not true. There is talent in Italy, therefore Italy ought to reach the World Cup.”

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