Jose Mourinho says he expects Chelsea fans to welcome him warmly when he returns to Stamford Bridge with Benfica on Tuesday for a Champions League group stage clash.
The Portuguese coach, now 62, is back at a ground where he cemented his legendary status during two trophy-laden spells. Mourinho, who famously introduced himself to English football as the “Special One,” guided Chelsea to three Premier League titles, three League Cups, and an FA Cup, transforming the Blues into a dominant force under Roman Abramovich’s ownership.
Despite his achievements, Mourinho has previously endured boos from Chelsea fans during his managerial stints at Manchester United and Tottenham, when chants of “you’re not special anymore” echoed across Stamford Bridge.
Addressing the media ahead of Tuesday’s game, Mourinho initially stated, “I am not a Blue anymore,” but quickly clarified his words, stressing his enduring bond with the club.
“Of course I will always be a Blue. I am part of their history, and they are part of mine. It was a happy marriage, I helped them become a bigger Chelsea, and they helped me become a bigger Jose,” he said.
He added: “When I say I am not a Blue, I mean in the context of the job I have to do tomorrow. I don’t think Chelsea fans will boo me. On the streets, they still stop me for autographs and pictures.”
Chelsea also honored their former manager by displaying photos of his most memorable moments in the Ted Drake Suite at Stamford Bridge, a gesture Mourinho described as rare and meaningful.
“There are not many clubs that do this,” he noted. “Some clubs try to erase the past, but Chelsea show they are truly a big club by celebrating history.”