New Real Madrid signing Huijsen ‘very grateful’ to Mourinho | OneFootball

New Real Madrid signing Dean Huijsen held his first press conference today and admitted being ‘very grateful’ to ex-Roma coach José Mourinho, who had convinced him to join the Giallorossi in 2024.

Huijsen thanked ex-Roma and Real Madrid coach Mourinho during his unveiling press conference with the Merengues on Tuesday.

A former Juventus defender, Huijsen joined Roma on a dry loan deal in the January 2024 transfer window after a call with the then-Giallorossi boss Mourinho.

Huijsen recalls Roma: ‘Very grateful to Mourinho’

Dean Huijsen of AS Roma makes his down the pitch during the friendly between AC Milan and AS Roma at Optus Stadium on May 31, 2024 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by James Worsfold/Getty Images)

“I was at Christmas dinner with my family when Mourinho called,” Huijsen recalled.

“When he calls, you have to listen. He’s one of the greatest in the history of football, and I’m very grateful to him.”

Huijsen made only three appearances under Mourinho in Rome, as the Special One was sacked by the Giallorossi just a few weeks after the defender’s loan transfer from Juventus.

Huijsen snubbed Frosinone for Roma and Mourinho

GENOA, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 28: Jose Mourinho, head coach of Roma, looks on prior to kick-off in the Serie A TIM match between Genoa CFC and AS Roma at Stadio Luigi Ferraris on September 28, 2023 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)

The Spain international had an agreement in place with Frosinone for the January 2024 transfer window, but changed his mind when he received the call from Mourinho.

Juventus sold Huijsen to Bournemouth for less than €20m a year ago, and the 20-year-old has now joined the Merengues on a €59.5m deal.

Dean Huijsen of AFC Bournemouth during the Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Everton FC at Vitality Stadium on January 04, 2025 in Bournemouth, England. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)

Huijsen has signed a contract until June 2030 at the Bernabeu.

A Juventus Academy product, Huijsen only collected one senior appearance with the Old Lady.