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Jose Mourinho returns to Chelsea, announces himself as “The Happy One”

Newly reappointed Chelsea manager Mourinho speaks during a news conference at Stamford Bridge stadium in London

Newly reappointed Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho speaks during a news conference at Stamford Bridge stadium in London June 10, 2013. REUTERS/Suzanne Plunkett (BRITAIN - Tags: SPORT SOCCER)

REUTERS

Jose Mourinho has announced that he is “The Happy One” at his first press conference since returning to Chelsea.

The Portuguese manager returned to Stamford Bridge today, nine years after famously proclaiming himself ‘The Special One.’ Today’s conference took the tone of a celebration, with Mourinho expressing his love for the club and assuring the media that his 2007 departure from West London had nothing to do with a fallout between he and Roman Abramovich.

When asked whether he is still a ‘Special One’, he said: “I am ‘The Happy One’. I am very happy.”

The 50 year old discussed how he is “better able to manage my emotions, calmer in victory, less depressed in defeat” but that in large part, he is still the same man.

Time flies. A lot of things happened in my professional life in the last nine years, but I have the same nature, I have the same heart, I have the same kind of emotions related to my passion for football and my job, but I am a different person in this moment.

If I have to describe myself, I would describe myself as a very happy person because it’s the first time I arrive in a club where I already love the club.


When asked about whether he reached out to Abramovich during his time at Madrid, Mourinho took the opportunity to discuss how he and the Chelsea owner mutually parted ways in 2007.

“I keep hearing that I was fired, I was sacked, we had a complete breakdown of our relationship - that was not true,” Mourinho said. “Many didn’t believe that but it was a mutual agreement. We thought it was best for both of us, for me and the club.”

“It was difficult for both of us but it was made by mutual agreement. Only because there was never a breakdown of the relationship is it possible for me to be here today. I think I’m back because we are in the best moments of our careers and ready to work together again. There are much better conditions at this time to succeed and have what we want, stability.”

During his three-year spell at Stamford Bridge from 2004-07 Mourinho won two Premier League titles, one FA Cup and two League Cups. This time around, the Chelsea boss, who signed a four year contract with the club, wants to achieve even more succes.

“I want to believe it’s possible. I always trust my work,” he said. “In this case I know many of the people that belong to the club and I know the kind of mentality people have here and my career was built and based on success where I was able to reach success and to win trophies.”

“I want to everyone to work hard, work with quality,” Mourinho said. “The club means much more compared to ourselves. We are no one without the club. If we work well success will arrive.”

So how much success can we expect in the coming season? “The first objective is top four. After that we will try to win it.”