Jose Mourinho rejected Daniel Levy's first approach to appoint him as Tottenham manager 12 years ago, citing that he couldn't do it out of respect to Chelsea .
The Portuguese became the new Spurs boss on Wednesday, penning a three-and-a-half year deal as he replaced the axed Mauricio Pochettino.
The appointment marks Mourinho's return to Premier League football 11 months after he was sacked by Manchester United , and a return to London following his two spells at Stamford Bridge, where he won three Premier League titles.
“I am excited to be joining a club with such a great heritage and such passionate supporters," said Mourinho in a statement on Wednesday morning.
"The quality in both the squad and the academy excites me. Working with these players is what has attracted me.”
Levy added: “In Jose we have one of the most successful managers in football.
"He has a wealth of experience, can inspire teams and is a great tactician. He has won honours at every club he has coached. We believe he will bring energy and belief to the dressing room.”
But back in 2015, Mourinho was playing a different tune as he recounted details of the approach from Leny.
Prior to managing Chelsea in the League Cup final against Tottenham at Wembley, a match Chelsea won 2-0, the Portuguese was asked about an approach from Spurs and Levy in September 2007 after he left Stamford Bridge for the first time.
'Yes. I couldn't go," he said, via the Mail Online. "I couldn't train in England for two years.
"I would not take the job because I love Chelsea supporters too much."
Mourinho will take charge of Spurs for the first time in Saturday's trip to West Ham in the Premier League.
