Jose Mourinho’s ‘homecoming’ to the Giuseppe Meazza was spoilt by Inter, as the Nerazzurri cruised to a comfortable 2-0 victory. An early tap-in by former Roma marksman Edin Dzeko was followed by a Alexis Sanchez stunner in the second half to hand Inter a spot in the semi-finals of the Coppa Italia.
The Giallorossi boss was welcomed by Inter ultras in a heartwarming reception that prompted him to send kisses flying towards the stands before the match kicked off.
And 12 years later, the iconic Mourinho chant by Inter fans on “Can’t Get My Eyes Off You” is sung back in San Siro, on the night Mourinho for first time in career face Inter as rival.
Emotional José sits on bench, then must stand up back and send kisses pic.twitter.com/iJ6mJiZ2KN— Tancredi Palmeri (@tancredipalmeri) February 8, 2022
Although he has faced the Nerazzurri on multiple occasions since leaving the club after the historic 2009/10 season, it was his first return to the San Siro to face his former club.
Owing to his treble-winning exploits with the club over a decade ago, the Curva Nord welcomed the Roma manager with a ‘welcome home, Jose’ banner.
?? ¡¡Espectacular recibimiento de los seguidores del @Inter a Mourinho!! Está claro que no le olvidan ?
?? "?????????? ? ???? ????" pic.twitter.com/F9s40Ob7Bo
— MARCA (@marca) February 9, 2022
Mourinho led Inter to the first-ever treble by an Italian club in history, with the emphatic campaign in 2009/10, after which he left Milan for a role at Real Madrid. He won two Serie A titles, one Champions League and one Coppa Italia during his time as Inter’s tactician.
Jose Mourinho receives a warm welcome from Inter fans in his return to the San Siro to face his former club. ? pic.twitter.com/cLRS1at7iq
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) February 8, 2022
Supporters of the blue and black side of the Milan divide haven’t forgotten their beloved ex-manager, still endearingly reminiscing his achievements for the club even after 12 years.
Inter managed to secure their first trophy post the Mourinho era only last season, when they captured the elusive Scudetto title under Antonio Conte.