Jose snubbed superstars offer

Sun, Jul 29 2007 09:23

Boss Jose Mourinho reportedly spurned Roman Abramovich's offer to sign the likes of Ronaldinho and Zinedine Zidane for Chelsea.

The revelation that the Portuguese tactician turned down the offer of some of the world's greatest players, also including David Beckham, because he did not want to be upstaged at Stamford Bridge have surfaced in a book called "Leadership - The Lessons of Mourinho", which has been written by Mourinho's friend Luis Lourenco with his full permission.

It is claimed that shortly after Mourinho's arrival at the club in summer 2004, the club's billionaire owner Abramovich reeled off a number of top players who he insisted could be brought into the squad. However the former Porto coach claimed he did not want any as he is the only star required by the Blues.

In an extract from the book in the News of the World, Abramovich said: "Now that I'm here I'm going to buy Ronaldinho. Would you like that?"

Mourinho replied with one word: "No."

The startled Blues owner then said: "I'll buy you Zinedine Zidane."

Once again the answer was a simple "No".

"David Beckham?" - "No."

Abramovich's patience began to weaken: "OK, here's a name you can't refuse. Tomorrow, for you, I'll make my big friend Andriy Shevchenko a Chelsea player."

Mourinho replied: "No, no and no."

An exasperated Abramovich told his new manager: "But you don't understand, Mr Mourinho. I'm talking about buying the biggest stars in world football."

To which Mourinho replied: "No, it's you who doesn't understand, Mr Abramovich. You only need one star at Chelsea - me."

Why oh why didn't he keep saying no about Sheva?

What changed his mind?

Bet he's regretting it like hell now.