Manchester United midfielder Christian Eriksen has expressed his high regard for Jose Mourinho, despite leaving Tottenham Hotspur shortly after the Portuguese's appointment as manager.
Former United manager Mourinho took over at Spurs in November 2019 and by January 2020, Eriksen was on his way to Inter Milan. During an impressive stint at Tottenham, Eriksen made 305 appearances, and his decision to seek a new challenge was met with sadness by Spurs fans.
In reflecting on Eriksen's transfer, Mourinho acknowledged: "We knew it for a long time. We didn't reveal it because we had respect for him and I knew it the first day I came here, he told me he won't sign the new contract.
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"So, it was a situation that I left in the hands of Mr Levy to manage. For me, it is more important to have players who want to play for this club and that is important."
Despite what some might consider a cold handling of his exit by Mourinho, Eriksen holds no bitterness towards his ex-manager as they prepare to reunite with each other in Thursday's Europa League clash between Fenerbahce - Mourinho's current side - and United. Speaking with TNT Sports, Eriksen remarked: "He has a few old teams.
"He has a long and very respected career, so hats off. But he's still Mourinho... so it's special to play against him.
"He is a massive, massive name in the football world and what he's achieved as a manager is incredible." United are seeking their first victory in the Europa League this season in Turkey tonight.