Former Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur boss Jose Mourinho has sent a touching message to the UK following the sad death of Queen Elizabeth II.
The 96-year-old’s passing was confirmed by The Royal Family on Thursday evening with a short statement. It read: “The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon [Thursday]. The King and The Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow.”
Since the news was announced, vast tributes have poured in from across the globe. Mourinho has joined those in sending a touching message, with the Portuguese saving a special word at the end of his press conference following a Europa League defeat to Ludogorets on Thursday.
Speaking after the game, the three-time Premier League winner said: "I'm so sorry. I'm not a foreigner in England, it's my home, my family's. A figure who is respected by everyone in the world disappears, a great lady, as well as a queen.”
Mourinho of course has enjoyed four spells living in the UK as manager of Chelsea on two occasions, as well as taking the reins at Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur. That has seen him work in the Premier League for nearly a decade and has presided over 551 matches in all competitions in England.
The Portuguese has joined a vast number of clubs - including all 20 in the Premier League - to have sent their messages of condolences and there could yet be more impacts for English football this weekend.
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The EFL announced their decision to suspend all fixtures scheduled to be held on Friday, whilst a decision over the games throughout the footballing pyramid for this weekend is expected to be forthcoming shortly.
Mourinho’s former club Chelsea were set to take on West London rivals Fulham at Craven Cottage in what is set to be new manager Graham Potter’s first game in charge of the side since his switch from Brighton. Meanwhile, Tottenham and Man Utd were set to take on Man City and Crystal Palace respectively.
Elsewhere, Mourinho’s Roma will be hoping to get back to winning ways following their defeat to Ludogorets. Speaking about the game, he said: “We were in control of the match. I don't want to say that we had a fantastic match, but it seemed at least enough not to lose goals
“We have experienced a difficult situation. It seems that in these last games everything goes against us. Luckily there are 6 games, although obviously losing the first one puts pressure on you.
“But we have to go ahead and score 3 points against HJK the next week at home. The defensive department? The team defends, not 3-4 players. The second goal, to tell the truth, is the consequence of emotion, because we wanted to continue playing with the same risk and not settle for a draw.”
