'They were not clever' - Jose Mourinho reacts to Galatasaray racism allegations as Fenerbahce boss claims attack backfired on Turkish club due to his African connections

Ex-Chelsea and Manchester United manager Mourinho is now working in Turkey with Fenerbahce. He was recently involved in another fiery Istanbul derby date with arch-rivals Gala. Having taken issue with behaviour on the opposition bench, the ‘Special One’ claimed that certain opponents were “jumping like monkeys”.

Galatasaray threatened legal action on the back of said comments, but Fenerbahce were quick to back their boss and hit out at what they considered to be “pathetic slander” that was “completely malicious”. It was then revealed that Mourinho was suing domestic foes for just under £42,000 for “non-pecuniary losses” (not consisting of money).

Mourinho has now addressed the allegations directly, telling Sky Sports: “They 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! The most important thing is I know who I am, and the attack accusing racism was a bad choice. I just felt: how could they go so low?”

Mourinho is grateful for the backing that he received during an unfortunate saga, with the likes of Didier Drogba and Michael Essien speaking up in his defence. The Portuguese added: “Probably even from people who don't like me the support was there. 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.”

Mourinho has not enjoyed an easy ride since taking the reins at Fenerbahce, with the outspoken 62-year-old taking issue with Super Lig match officials on a regular basis. He has, however, kept his current employers in another title race, while also making the last-16 of the Europa League – where he will be facing Scottish giants Rangers.