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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Darren Wells

Jose Mourinho's classy gesture to ex-Chelsea star sums up different side to manager

Few characters have been quite as complex as Jose Mourinho during the Premier League era.

Renowned for his managerial ability having won the division on three occasions, Mourinho has still garnered a reputation as someone who frequently manages to fall out with his players.

Failed stints at Manchester United and Tottenham have taken the gloss off the legacy he built at Stamford Bridge over two successful spells in charge - both of which ended in bitter exits.

Yet there is clearly another side to Mourinho which makes him such a well-liked and respected figure among the majority of his colleagues and peers.

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Jose Mourinho led Chelsea to the 2015 League Cup final - but did not forget who helped get them there (EMPICS Sport)

The Portuguese coach has let the guard of his tough, no-nonsense exterior down on rare occasions, and former Chelsea goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer has now recalled a tale which paints a great picture of Mourinho's generosity.

Speaking exclusively to Ladbrokes at its launch of the 5-A-Side Bet on Leicester v West Ham, Schwarzer explained: "I was the first player in the Premier League era to win back-to-back titles with two different clubs (Chelsea 2014/15 & Leicester 2015/16) but I didn't think I deserved a medal on either occasion."

Schwarzer didn't played at all for Leicester in their miraculous Premier League title run (just three League Cup appearances), having jumped ship midway through the season prior when Chelsea were marching on to become champions.

"It was an incredible journey, but I never thought for one moment that I should get a medal," he said of his time with the Foxes. "I would've actually turned it down; I wouldn't have wanted it."

A similar situation had played out at Chelsea, though Schwarzer had contributed to the Blues' route to the League Cup final that year, despite not being round for the final, though his efforts were not forgotten by Mourinho.

Schwarzer continued: "As for my time at Chelsea, again I know I wouldn't have deserved recognition for what that team achieved in 2014/15, but there's one classy moment from Jose Mourinho which sticks in my mind.

"I moved to Leicester at the halfway point of the season, by which point Chelsea had already reached the semi-finals of the League Cup.

Mark Schwarzer rarely featured for Chelsea but his contribution was rewarded even after his exit (PA)

"For the small role I played in things, Jose and the club invited me to the game when they reached the final - obviously they went on to win the trophy, and a replica cup was made for myself - despite me not being a part of the club anymore.

"I've got a lot of respect for Chelsea and Jose and that's just one of the reasons why."

Schwarzer eventually retired at the end of Leicester's title-winning campaign at the age of 42 having spent almost two decades in the English top flight.

He holds the record as the oldest player to play for both Chelsea and Leicester, as well as his country, Australia, for whom he won a record-breaking 109 caps throughout his career.

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