Mourinho is a man who values loyalty over everything else, when there were players who didn't agree with his work methods he remembers the ones who completely backed him and agreed with him in everything. Only two players were behind him in the final days of his spell with Los Blancos: Xabi Alonso and Alvaro Arbeloa. But perhaps the man who had his back all the way, was Aitor Karanka who became Middlesbrough's manager.
Mourinho fondly remembers his days in Real Madrid next to Aitor: "Karanka is certainly a different coach from the one I met during my time at Real Madrid. He now has two-and-a-half years of experience as a manager in the Championship, one of the most difficult and demanding leagues in Europe, even though it is the second division in England...and half a year of Premier League coaching, which makes him very experienced.
"During my time at Real Madrid he participated in all things: the organization of the team, the analysis of the opposition, the preparation for matches and training sessions. I think he is very well qualified and is demonstrating independence in his work."
He added: "With me, he showed a very important characteristic: being an honest person, a loyal man with great moral principles, and when you have that characteristic, it does not matter what profession you dedicate to, you will always have an advantage. He has demonstrated that and we will have a friendship forever. I think it is the beginning of everything."
Photo credit: Manchester United FC