“Call Me Controversial, But Not Racist!” – Mourinho Sets The Record Straigh

The controversy arose after a heated goalless draw in the Istanbul Derby against Galatasaray last month when Mourinho, in a post-match interview, referred to the opposition bench as “jumping around like monkeys.” His comment sparked widespread backlash, with critics condemning it as racially insensitive and even threatening legal action.

Despite the uproar, Mourinho remained unfazed, asserting that Galatasaray’s response was misguided. “They were not clever in the way they attacked me because they didn’t know my past,” he remarked.

Speaking in an interview with Sky Sports, the Portuguese tactician defended himself by highlighting his deep ties to Africa, pointing out his long history of working with African players and supporting various charities on the continent.

Mourinho further insisted that the accusations had backfired, stating, “Instead of going against me, I think it boomeranged and went against them.”

He reaffirmed that while he acknowledges his flaws, racism is not among them. “Everybody knows my bad qualities, but that is not one of them. Exactly the opposite,” he concluded