Jose Mourinho Reveals Why He Left Inter Milan For Real Madrid (We’ll Never Forgive Him) | OneFootball

Former Inter Milan manager Jose Mourinho is one of the most iconic managers to ever live – his one-hit wonder like, ‘I am Jose Mourinho’ is a TikTok sensation to this day.

He is direct, supremely intelligent, nonchalant, and uniquely funny without trying. The departure of a celebrated manager is always a bitter pill to swallow for a club and its fans.

When a manager like Jose Mourinho, who led Inter Milan to an unprecedented treble, it’s even more challenging to understand and accept.

A decade later, we still grapple with the “why” of Mourinho’s departure to Real Madrid. This was a move that broke the hearts of Interistas worldwide.

The Treble Season

During Mourinho’s brief tenure at Inter, he made an indelible mark. In a mere two seasons, he accomplished feats that had eluded other managers at the club.

The pinnacle of his achievements was undeniably the 2009-2010 treble, topped off with a memorable Champions League triumph over Bayern Munich at Santiago Bernabeu.

It was a year when thousands turned to websites like red32 sport to follow the odds, and they were all in Mourinho’s favour.

For Inter fans, that final isn’t just remembered for the win but the poignant moments that followed.

The Emotional Exit

Mourinho has always been someone who sought out new challenges. However, his swift switch to Real Madrid after that Champions League triumph was unexpected for many.

In numerous conversations, he’s mentioned how he intentionally distanced himself from the post-match festivities, unable to bear the weight of final farewells.

The allure of San Siro, the Duomo, and the jubilant celebrations threatened to sway his resolution to transition to Real Madrid.

His emotional moment with Marco Materazzi after the monumental victory seemed to be more than just a coach-player farewell. It represented a poignant farewell to the team, the fans, and Milan.

Mourinho himself admitted that – if submerged in the post-victory Milanese celebrations – he might have chosen to stay.

So what made this move so imperative for him?

The Real Madrid Temptation

Even before the treble season, Mourinho had been tempted by Real Madrid. The Spanish giants had courted him after his first season with Inter.

Yet, loyalty and an incredible bond with President Massimo Moratti and the Nerazzurri fans made him stay. The subsequent season, with all its successes, only made the bond stronger.

However, Mourinho’s ambition was clear. He wanted to win major leagues across Europe.

Having conquered the Premier League with Chelsea and Serie A with Inter, La Liga with Real Madrid was the next challenge.

Despite his emotional ties with Inter, this desire to prove himself in Spain became the driving force behind his decision.

Beyond The Trophies

While Mourinho’s spell at Inter was characterized by incredible success, his relationship with the club was more profound than just trophies.

His connection with players, the board, and fans was extraordinary, making his departure even more challenging to stomach.

Mourinho admitted as much, stating that even if he had stayed, there would have been further triumphs, but the lure of Real Madrid was too strong.

Beyond the tactical masterclasses and strategic victories, Mourinho’s tenure at Inter was marked by genuine mutual respect and deep emotional bonds.

The narratives from players, backroom staff, and even journalists at the time underscore a manager who was as much a mentor and friend as a tactician.

The legacy he left behind at Inter Milan transcends silverware; it’s a tale of passion, commitment, and heartfelt connections.

The tale of Mourinho and Inter Milan is one of success, deep bonds, and heartbreaking departures.

Even today, when the legendary coach speaks of that time, the emotion is palpable.

For Inter fans, Mourinho will always be the man who brought unparalleled joy and then an overwhelming sense of loss.

While we may understand his reasons, the heartache of his departure will forever remain.