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Today in history: Mourinho joins Chelsea from FC Porto

By Allsports.com.gh
Sports News Today in history: Mourinho joins Chelsea from FC Porto
JUN 2, 2016 LISTEN

Exactly 12 years today, Jose Mourinho made a splash when he was announced as Chelsea's new manager, declaring to the media at his first press conference at Stamford Bridge that he was 'the Special One'.

Mourinho replaced Claudio Ranieri at the West London club after the Italian had guided Chelsea to their highest Barclays Premier League finish - runners-up to Arsenal's 'Invincibles' in the 2003-04 season - and the UEFA Champions League semi-finals. But Ranieri's replacement believed he could do better and he was not backwards in coming forwards.

I intend to give my best, to improve things and to create the football team in relation to my image and my football philosophy,' he said. 'We have top players and, sorry if I'm arrogant, we have a top manager.

"Please don't call me arrogant because what I am saying is true. I am European champion so I am not one of the bottle - I think I am the special one."

'Special One'
"The Special One" had an impressive CV despite having only been in club management for three years. In only his first full season at Porto Mourinho had guided his side to Portuguese Liga, Portuguese Cup and UEFA Cup success. In his second he retained the title and won the UEFA Champions League.

On the basis of this meteoric rise at Porto and a defeat of Manchester United on his way to Champions League success, the 41-year-old was identified by Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich as the man to bring the club's first Barclays Premier League title.

Exactly a week after lifting the European Cup Mourinho was at Stamford Bridge, giving the media his confident declarations, but if he was bullish at his first press conference, he backed up his words with actions.

Record points haul
After investing heavily in players such as Didier Drogba, Michael Essien, Tiago, Mateja Kezman and Ricardo Carvlaho Mourinho's Chelsea romped to their first domestic title in 50 years with a record Premier League points haul of 95 and an unsurpassed defensive record of just 15 goals conceded.

The Blues also won the League Cup that season and again reached the last four of the Champions League. The next season Chelsea successfully defended their title Barclays Premier League title. The Portuguese manager parted company with the Stamford Bridge outfit in September 2007. Mourinho's Premier League record at Chelsea read: Won 120, Drew 25, Lost 10, with a win percentage of 71%.

Mourinho has since gone on to win league titles in Italy with Inter Milan and Spain with Real Madrid, claiming a second Champions League crown in 2010 as Inter became the first Italian club to win the treble of Serie A title, Coppa Italia and European Cup

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