“I can't go to Africa,” Jose says, revealing the secret nickname Essien uses
JOSE MOURINHO has revealed the hilarious nickname he used to ask Michael Essien to stop calling him.
Speaking for the first time since leaving Roma, Mourinho opened up on a variety of topics, including his former clubs Manchester United and Chelsea and Roma's owners.
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During his interview with FIVE presented by Rio FerdinandMourinho also opened up about his relationships with some ex-players, including former Chelsea midfielder Essien.
Mourinho explained that he feels he has always been able to rely on players from Africa.
He had a special bond with former Ghanaian midfielder Essien.
However, the 61-year-old has now revealed he had to ask Essien to stop calling him 'daddy' after the 41-year-old nicknamed him.
Mourinho has also shared strong relationships with the likes of Didier Drogba, Salomon Kalou and John Obi Mikel, although Mourinho joked that this means he cannot set foot in Africa.
He explained: 'I can't go to Africa.
“Too much (fanfare) everywhere. Because you know, I had Didier Drogba – Ivory Coast, Geremi – Cameroon, Kalou – Ivory Coast, Obi Mikel – Nigeria, Essien – Ghana, I have guys all over the world.
“Every time I go to Africa, I can't walk. The boys love me. Even in Europe, with a lot of African boys, people really love me.
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“To be honest, I like the boys and I think the African player is very loyal and very pure.
“A lot of them call me daddy and some of them are almost my age. When Essien calls me daddy I say 'Michael, don't call me daddy, we're almost my age.'
“But you know this affection exists, you know I love the boys and I love working with the African players.
“I think I get the best out of the boys.
“I think the boys see me as someone who really loves them and admires their qualities as players in people I have always loved and I have always had great reactions from African players.”
