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Fenerbahce manager Jose Mourinho, who has been facing allegations of racism from Galatasaray, has said he is opposed to racism. Galatsaray had earlier said that they would initiate legal action against Mourinho for his racist remarks that came after his team’s 0-0 draw in the Super Lig game held at RAMS Park on February 24. Mourinho has retorted against Galatasaray with a lawsuit that claims the penalty of 1,907,000 Turkish Lira from the club for tarnishing his image.
Following the Istanbul derby, Mourinho remarked the home side were jumping like a monkey during the contest which irked Galatasaray. Amidst these developments, the Portuguese appeared in an interview and said Galatasaray aren’t astute enough as their allegations against him have backfired and the football club were not aware of his connections with African players and people.
"They (Galatasaray) were not clever in the way they attacked me, because they didn't know my past. They didn't know my connections with Africa, with African people and African players and African charities. So instead of going against me, I think it boomeranged and went against them. Everyone knows who I am as a person. Everybody knows my bad qualities, but that is not one of my bad qualities. Exactly the opposite!" remarked Mourinho while speaking to Sky Sports.
Greats of the game come out in Mourinho’s defense
Former Ghana midfielder Michale Essien and ex-Chelsea player Didier Drogba have defended Mourinho following the allegations of racism from Galatasaray against their former boss who coached them in Chelsea. The 62-year-old has expressed gratitude to his former colleagues who displayed their support during his tough time.
"I thank the people who didn't have a problem to speak [out], especially my boys, my former players. They were a very important voice," said Mourinho ahead of his team’s last 16 match against Rangers in the UEFA Europa League 2024-25.
