Manchester United manager, José Mourinho, on Tuesday, June 27, 2017 buried his father, former Portugal goalkeeper José Manuel Mourinho Felix, who died at the age of 79.
Mourinho was surrounded by fans and family members as he attended church service with his father’s coffin in his home town of Setubal in Portugal.
The coffin, which was draped in the flag of Felix childhood club, Setubal Victoria, saw José heartbroken.
It is believed that Felix passed away on Sunday, 45 years to the day of his first and only appearance for his country.
He coached his youngest child José during the now Manchester United boss’ early playing days, inspiring Mourinho Jnr to become one of the greatest football managers in history.
“My father was a good manager. He was in the Portugal Premier League eight or nine years, he was champion of the championship there four times, so he was a good manager in that generation,” José explained.
Felix Mourinho managed several clubs in his native Portugal, winning the Portuguese second division on four occasions in a career which saw him take charge at the clubs, including Rio Are, Belenenses and Victoria Setubal.
He made one appearance for his country as a goalkeeper, coming on as a substitute for the last few minutes of a game against Ireland on June 25, 1972.
Portuguese club, Victoria Setubal, who Mourinho Felix played for and managed during his career from 1968 to 1974, had confirmed the news in a statement, regretting the death of its former player, coach and director.
“We express our solidarity and deepest condolences to the bereaved family, friends, especially his wife and son, José Mourinho.”
By Felix Simire
