Portuguese has a long-held affinity with the north-east club following his time working with Sir Bobby Robson at Barcelona
T
o José Mourinho, Newcastle United represents a road never taken. Whenever Mourinho visits St James’ Park he takes time to stand by the statue of Sir Bobby Robson outside the Milburn Stand and spend a few minutes paying silent tribute to the memory of his mentor.
In 1999 Robson wanted the Portuguese to join him at Newcastle as an assistant manager with a view to eventually taking the top job but Mourinho, who returns to north‑east England for a Champions League engagement with Benfica on Tuesday night, declined.
Instead, Robson’s former translator turned No 2 at Barcelona kicked off his own managerial adventure the following year with a brief spell at Benfica. Now, after a turbulent stint at Fenerbahce, the wheel has turned full circle and he is back in charge at the Estádio da Luz after succeeding the sacked Bruno Lage last month.
