VIDEO: Jose Mourinho has a heart of gold! Legendary manager surprises Chelsea fan on 100th birthday with touching message

The Portuguese manager, who left an indelible mark on Chelsea during his two spells in charge, sent a touching message to Alf Wells as he celebrated his 100th birthday on Saturday.

Mourinho secured three Premier League titles, three League Cups, and an FA Cup across his two separate spells at Chelsea. His influence on the club and its supporters remains profound, with his name still resonating within the walls of Stamford Bridge. Lifelong Chelsea fan Alf Wells described Mourinho as his favourite manager of all time, before receiving a special tribute from the man himself on his birthday.

"Alf, what an honour to be wishing you a happy birthday," Mourinho said.

"100 is absolutely magnificent and to go to football... to your passion is something incredible. Many kisses, full of respect."

Wells, a devoted Chelsea fan, was treated to a memorable birthday experience orchestrated by his neighbour Wendy Sneddon, in collaboration with the club and Great Western Railway. Wells, who served as the station master at Newbury railway station, was given a first-class train journey and a ticket to witness Chelsea's thrilling 2-2 draw against Burnley.

Wells, described by Sneddon as remarkably independent, maintains an active lifestyle despite his age.

"Alf is amazingly independent," Sneddon told the BBC. "He goes to the supermarket each week, does his own cooking, and his house is brilliantly tidy. He walks around where he lives most mornings to stay as fit as possible and does 20 squats each morning, holding onto his towel rail.

"I never cease to be amazed by how many people know Alf - many since his days of managing Newbury station. His brain is razor sharp, despite his great age, and, like many old people, his longer-term memory is superb. He knows the engine numbers of most steam and diesel trains and, when telling stories of his work, will mention them along with the name of the train driver."

As Wells celebrated his remarkable milestone, Mourinho's touching message served as a poignant reminder of the deep connections forged through the beautiful game. Nonetheless, the century-old fan would now love to see his favourite team get back on the winning track in a prestigious clash against Manchester United on Thursday evening at Stamford Bridge.