José Mourinho has shared a touching anecdote about his departure from Internazionale in 2010. The Special One wanted to avoid the players after winning the Champions League final that year, believing that otherwise he wouldn't have gone to Real Madrid. Suddenly, there was Marco Materazzi, standing there in tears.
José Mourinho’s time at Internazionale will forever be remembered as one of the most iconic chapters in both his managerial career and the club’s rich history.
The 2009–10 season, in particular, was a campaign for the ages a year in which the Portuguese tactician led the Nerazzurri to a historic treble: Serie A, Coppa Italia, and, most memorably, the UEFA Champions League. It was Inter’s first European crown since 1965 and cemented Mourinho’s place among the greatest coaches in football history.
Speaking to the BBC recently, Mourinho opened up with rare emotional vulnerability about the dramatic end to his time in Milan. The “Special One” shared a personal anecdote that continues to resonate deeply with football fans worldwide, especially those who remember Inter's magical run in Europe that year. Despite growing interest from Real Madrid even before the Champions League final, Mourinho was adamant about keeping his focus entirely on Inter until the job was finished.
“I never signed with Real Madrid before the final I didn’t want to,” Mourinho said. “I wanted to experience the final without any contract distractions. It was a unique moment in my career, and I owed it to the club, the players, and the fans to be fully present. Nothing else mattered.”
That final, played at the Santiago Bernabéu in Madrid, was a tactical masterclass. Inter defeated Bayern Munich 2-0, thanks to a brace from Diego Milito, and delivered the kind of performance that showcased Mourinho's brilliant ability to organize and inspire a team under the highest pressure. Yet, while the celebrations exploded among the fans and players, Mourinho had already made up his mind to slip away quietly. It was a bittersweet ending to an unforgettable journey.
“I didn’t shake hands, I just wanted to leave,” Mourinho recalled. “I didn’t want to go into the dressing room, the bus, or San Siro, because I knew that if the emotions took over, I wouldn’t have gone to Real Madrid. I was emotionally invested in that group of players, in that club. If I had seen their faces, hugged them, said goodbye the usual way… I wouldn’t have been able to walk away.”
But fate and Marco Materazzi had other plans. As Mourinho made his way out, he encountered the Italian defender, who was overwhelmed with emotion. The two embraced, both in tears, in a moment that has since become one of the most poignant images of Mourinho’s career.
“That moment with Materazzi… it was powerful,” Mourinho said. “I don’t care about the trophies and medals I care about what’s in my heart. And also what’s in the hearts of the people at the clubs, and what they think of me. That’s what stays with you.”
Mourinho’s connection with his players at Inter ran deep. He was more than just a manager; he was a leader, a motivator, and, for many, a father figure. The players believed in him, fought for him, and in return, he gave them his absolute commitment right up until the final whistle of the Champions League.
That season wasn’t just defined by the final in Madrid. Perhaps even more memorable was the semi-final clash with Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona a two-legged tie filled with tension, tactical brilliance, and controversy. Inter won the first leg 3-1 at San Siro and held on in the second leg with a heroic defensive display, despite playing with ten men for most of the match. It was Mourinho’s defiant sprint down the Camp Nou touchline that night finger raised to the sky that symbolized the grit and belief that defined that Inter squad.
Interestingly, history seems to echo in the present day. On Wednesday night, Inter and Barcelona are set to face each other again in European competition a fixture that immediately brings back memories of that epic 2010 battle. In Spain, many see it as an opportunity for revenge, especially after the painful exit the Catalan club suffered at the hands of Mourinho’s Inter fifteen years ago. Barcelona fans are hoping their side can write a new story one in which they overcome their old tormentors.
As Mourinho now leads Fenerbahçe into a new chapter of his coaching career, he remains a towering figure in the football world. But even for someone who has won league titles in four different countries and lifted two Champions League trophies, that night in 2010 and the bond with those Inter players holds a uniquely special place.
Football often focuses on statistics, silverware, and accolades. But moments like these the silent departure from a dressing room filled with love, the tearful hug between manager and player, and the decision to prioritize integrity over ambition remind us of the deep human emotions behind the game. For Mourinho and Inter, 2010 wasn’t just a season. It was a story of loyalty, sacrifice, and unforgettable triumph.
