Mourinho jokes he has had enough of Ancelotti pictures before Roma return

Jose Mourinho says he has become “fed up” with seeing pictures of former Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti, while admitting that leaving Roma “broke my heart”.

The Portuguese coach discussed his amusing frustration with Ancelotti, who is now in charge of Brazil, during an interview with Corriere dello Sport. His comments were published by AS.

“Ancelotti is fantastic,” Mourinho said. “He wanted to speak to Vinicius, and wanted to know how Rodrygo was doing, how his level was developing and how Eder Militao’s progress was going.”

Endrick was also injured at the time, Mourinho added, and Ancelotti asked for permission to visit.

“But you are crazy, Carlo!” Mourinho said. “But that is also Carlo.”

Mourinho then joked about the former Real Madrid manager’s presence around the club.

“Carlo, I have had enough of you,” he said. “Every day I walk along the corridor and find pictures of Ancelotti here and there. I have really had enough of you.”

The conversation also turned to Mourinho’s relationship with Roma, whom he previously managed.

“My departure broke my heart,” he said. “There is not, and there will never be, a single word from me against Roma or the club’s owners. When I leave, I leave with a clear conscience and with the feeling that it will always be my home.”

Mourinho recalled the welcome he received when he first arrived at the club.

“On the day I arrived, thousands of people were there to welcome me, even though I had not done anything yet,” he said. “I did not deserve that, but that is Roma.”

He said his commitment had always been driven by the club’s supporters and highlighted the success achieved during his time in charge.

“I fought for the fans and gave everything I had,” Mourinho said. “We won a competition such as the UEFA Europa Conference League, which is hugely important for a club that does not win many trophies and competitions.”

Mourinho is due to return to Roma on Wednesday in the Champions League. He acknowledged that the occasion would be emotionally difficult because he will not have the backing of the Giallorossi supporters.

“I have to prepare myself mentally, because it will be the first time I go there without the support of the Giallorossi fans,” he said. “I do not expect chants or banners, but I do expect a great deal of respect.”