Jose Mourinho reveals how close he came to joining Newcastle United

Jose Mourinho has finally admitted what Newcastle United fans have known all along.
Jose Mourinho.Jose Mourinho.
Jose Mourinho.

And Tottenham Hotspur’s manager says he’s a “little magpie” because of his connection with the late Sir Bobby Robson, who mentored him at Barcelona before he embarked on what would turn out to be a hugely successful managerial career.

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Speaking to Sky Sports News, Mourinho said: “It’s a club I feel connection with because of Mr Robson, it's a simple as that. He had a huge passion for Newcastle, and his area, Durham. He had it in his heart. So, through him I have become a little magpie!”

Asked if he almost joined Sir Bobby at Newcastle, Mourinho said: "More or less, yes. But, at the time, I was already eyeing a different direction.

"Mr Robson always knew that I wanted to give everything that I could to him, but, at the same time, he also knew I had my eyes in a different direction. But yes, there was a chance."

Tottenham take on Newcastle at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this afternoon.

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Mourinho said: “A difficult match. Good work by Steve (Bruce, United’s head coach) in the transfer window. They have a certain style of play that they feel very comfortable with. At this moment, it's three points for them and three for us, so it's a big game.

"They managed to get some important players, that's for sure. I could even feel Steve's happiness when he was speaking about the new players.”