Fenerbahce boss Jose Mourinho had nothing but kind words to say about Jan Vertonghen during their meeting in the Europa League on Thursday.
Vertonghen did not get any minutes on the pitch during Anderlecht’s 3-0 loss to Fenerbahce in the Europa League play-off match, but he did get a hug from his former manager Mourinho. The ‘Special One’ was in charge of the Belgian veteran during his Tottenham days and the pair clearly still share a close relationship following their warm moment on the sideline.
Speaking on the moment after the game, Mourinho said: “Jan is still one of my boys. That will always be the case. The way he is as a footballer, but also as a person. I love that. I will cherish his shirt.”
Although Mourinho is another manager who tried and failed to win silverware at Spurs, there is still a clear respect present between him and ex-players, even if the former Chelsea boss’ tenure ended in flames.
Vertonghen will be hoping to have more of a role in the return leg in Belgium. Fenerbahce head across Europe with a three-goal buffer going into the return leg.
