What motivated Mourinho to choose Chelsea over Manchester United in 2013?

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Mourinho's Decision to Choose Chelsea Over Manchester United in 2013

Jose Mourinho ultimately chose to return to Chelsea over Manchester United in 2013 because he felt a stronger emotional connection and a need to "feel loved" after his tenure at Real Madrid. Despite having agreed to succeed Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United and acknowledging the club's significant appeal, which he considered very close to Real Madrid's global standing, Mourinho's "heart" guided his decision toward Chelsea.
A Contract Signed, Then Broken

In 2013, following his departure from Real Madrid, Jose Mourinho had verbally committed to taking over as the manager of Manchester United, even signing a contract. This move was intended to succeed the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson, who was retiring after a dominant period for the club. However, this agreement was not to last.
The Pull of "Love" and Feeling Needed

Mourinho has stated that after his time at Real Madrid, he had a profound need to feel "loved" by a club. While he acknowledged Manchester United's immense global appeal and prestige, he felt that his emotional connection to Chelsea, stemming from his previous successful spell where he won two Premier League titles, an FA Cup, and two League Cups, was a more powerful draw. This sentiment ultimately led him to prioritise his feelings for Chelsea.
Ferguson's Confirmation of the Tearful Call

Sir Alex Ferguson himself confirmed the dramatic turn of events, recalling a phone call from Mourinho where the Portuguese manager was "crying." In this conversation, Mourinho explained that he could not break his prior commitment to Chelsea. Ferguson understood Mourinho's reasoning but admitted to being disappointed by the decision.
A History of Success and Legacy

Mourinho's previous tenure at Chelsea had been highly successful, establishing a strong bond with the club and its supporters. Returning to Stamford Bridge, he felt a sense of "going home" but also recognised the significant responsibility of upholding the legacy he had already built there. This feeling of returning to a familiar and cherished environment, coupled with the emotional need to feel valued, was the deciding factor in his choice.

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What motivated Mourinho to choose Chelsea over Manchester United in 2013?

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