Some Chelsea players were in tears, while others covered their faces as Jose Mourinho approached each of them to say their farewell.
Mourinho’s first term at the club ended eighteen years ago, but Salomon Kalou still remembers that “sad day” at the training site.
“It was not just a manager we were losing,” says Kalou, who played for Chelsea from 2006 to 2012. “It was a wonderful person, a mentor, who was eager to assist you and fight for you.
“He is known as the ‘Special One’ because of his ability to influence others. “He brings something very special to the club.”
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Not everyone remembers Mourinho fondly from his subsequent second stint at Chelsea or, indeed, some of the clubs he has managed subsequently.
However, Benfica will hope that the aura returns on the grandest stage of all – the Champions League – when Mourinho’s new side goes to Stamford Bridge on Tuesday.
According to close friend Jose Peseiro, the 62-year-old will not be satisfied with simply returning to Europe’s top table.
“He wants to go and beat Chelsea to show everyone ‘I am here’,” he reportedly remarked.
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