Jose Mourinho: Ex Chelsea Boss Explains Why African Players Are Special

• Jose Mourinho has spoken for the first time since Roma's sacking
• The Special One was full of praises for Africa and their players
• He explained why the players from the continent are so special

Jose Mourinho loves Africans, and football fans from the continent love him the same because of the way he treated the players who have played for him.

After a dip in results, Mourinho was relieved of his duties at AS Roma last month, despite guiding the club to two European finals in two years, winning one.

He was replaced by club legend, Daniele De Rossi, who has won three of his four games in charge, with the loss coming against league leaders Inter Milan.

Giallorossi fans expressed their displeasure towards the club owners for their lack of support for the manager who brought back a rousey atmosphere to the Stadio Olimpico.

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Mourinho praises African players

Jose granted his first-ever interview since his departure from Rome to FIVE UK, touching on many topics, including his love for African footballers and explaining why they are unique.

“I cannot go to Africa. There is too much everywhere. Because, you know, I had Didier Drogba - Ivory Coast, Geremi, Samuel Eto'o - Cameroon, Kalou - Ivory Coast, Obi Mikel - Nigeria, Essien - Ghana, I have guys all around the world,” he said.

“Every time I go to Africa, I cannot walk. The guys love me. Even in Europe, with many African guys, people really love me.”

“To be honest, I love the guys, and I feel that the African players are very loyal and very pure,” he added.

Speaking on the Obi One podcast, Mikel claimed the manager has a soft spot for African footballers and did not deny it. The former Chelsea boss' wife, Matilde Faria, was born in Angola, explaining why he's so immersed in the continent.

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Mourinho backed Nigeria for AFCON title

Sports Brief reported on Mourinho backing Nigeria for the AFCON title against host country Ivory Coast before the final in Abidjan on Sunday.

The former Real Madrid disclosed it was because of his close friend Jose Peseiro, whom he grew up with. He could have made history as the first Portuguese manager to win it, but the Super Eagles lost 2-1.