Inter Milan star reduced to tears after heartwarming Mourinho moment

Daily Mirror

2 days ago

Inter Milan ruled Europe in 2010 as Jose Mourinho led them to Champions League glory but his exit was imminent, which led to an emotional embrace with Marco Materazzi
When Inter Milan last conquered Europe in 2010 it was Jose Mourinho at the helm. He enjoyed a historic night in the Bernabeu, knowing it would soon become his home as he masterminded a glorious swansong.
His demeanour at full-time was one of a man looking forward, preparing for his next challenge. He had downed the likes of Chelsea and Barcelona en route to the final, with Bayern Munich the final victim as Inter claimed the treble and their first European Cup since the 1960s.
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They became the first Italian side to scoop all three trophies major trophies available to them in a season, yet they began the game without an Italian in their starting XI. A side assembled of world stars from the likes Brazil, Argentina, Cameroon and the Netherlands had proved the perfect mix.
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One of the only Italians sat on the bench. Their World Cup winner. One Marco Materazzi, who later that night would become part of one of the most wholesome moments in modern day football. An authentic embrace with Mourinho outside the stadium.
Without any official communication both Mourinho and his Inter players knew this was the end and he was moving on. The ex-Chelsea boss had agreed verbally to join Real, but refused to sign any contract. He admitted that he didn't go back to Milan with the team because he knew the emotion would lead him to staying with Inter - and he was man in demand.
The Special One, then at the peak of his powers, was about to drive away but stopped the car and walked up to the the defender, hugging him. When Mourinho turned around he was balling his eyes out. Overcome with emotion as the next chapter loomed. Materazzi was equally as tearful.
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'That moment with Materazzi… it was powerful,' Mourinho has said. 'I don't care about the trophies and medals I care about what's in my heart. And also what's in the hearts of the people at the clubs, and what they think of me. That's what stays with you.'
He would later remark: "When I had these last words with Materazzi, it was like I was hugging every player." Matterazzi has admitted that the Portuguese coach, known for his personal touch, had taken an interest in him and his life like no manager before.
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The defender said: "Mourinho was special, he knew the names of all our children and our wives. Nobody else had ever done that for me. For me, it was not a big surprise, but for my wife, when he met her and said 'Hello Daniela', it was."
Mourinho has confessed that he "ran away" from his Inter players in the aftermath of their European triumph. He would stick to his guns and leave the Italian side, making a new home from himself at Real as he looked to prove himself in Spain. He inevitably did.
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Now the latest Inter side has another chance to emulate that class of 2010 at the second time of asking. They lost the final to Manchester City two years ago as the English side completed the treble in Istanbul.
Like Mourinho's team, Simone Inzaghi and co have beaten Barcelona in the last four. They've also knocked off Bayern en route to playing PSG at the Allianz Arena on Saturday.