Jose Mourinho burst into tears at the end second leg of the UEFA Conference League semi-final between AS Roma and Leicester City at Olimpico Stadium on Thursday.
Roma beat 2-1 on aggregate, with Tammy Abraham’s first-half goal in the second leg making the difference.
“Why did I shed a tear? Because I feel what [the fans] all feel. It’s a giant club without a trophy room for the social importance of this club. I know what it means to these people and my emotion was for them.” Mourinho said.
“I’ve been lucky enough to be in more prestigious finals but this made me feel very special. We have a sense of family. With age you become less selfish and more of a father or even a grandfather to some of them, I’m very happy for all of them.
“Rome is a red and yellow city, we’ll see the joy over the coming days. I’ve made a small contribution to that.” Mourinho added.
This is the first time Roma have reached the European Cup final since the 1990-1991 UEFA Cup, where they lost to Inter with a total score of 1-2.
Asked about the form of Abraham – who has reached 25 goals in all competitions this season, Mourinho said: “I will not praise or appreciate him. Abraham can play better, and he knows that.”
“Abraham needs to be enthusiastic in every game, not just in the derby against Lazio or fighting in the European Cup.” he added.
Mourinho became the first coach to reach the European Cup final with four different clubs. Before that, he was with Porto in the final of the UEFA Cup and Champions League, Inter in the Champions League and Manchester United in the Europa League.
If Roma win over Feyenoord, Mourinho will become the first coach to conquer the Champions League, Europa League and Conference League.
