Jose Mourinho bid farewell to Real Madrid's fans ahead of his last game in charge of the club yesterday, which his side won 4-2 against Osasuna, and received a mixture of cheers and jeers when he took to the Santiago Bernabeu pitch.The Portuguese coach has been heavily criticised in Spain for his benching of captain and goalkeeper Iker Casillas this season, and has had run-ins with other players, such as Pepe. Old wounds appear slow to heal for Mourinho, who did not even pick Casillas in his squad yesterday.
Mourinho is expected to rejoin Chelsea, where he won five major honours between 2004 and 2007. The 50-year-old released a short statement on Madrid's website hours before he brought an end to his three-year stint in the Spanish capital.
"I want to thank many fans for their support and I respect the criticism of others," said Mourinho. "I would like to wish happiness to all and good health. Hala [Forward] Madrid!"
The reception from the home fans was divided. Some held up signs such as "Thanks for everything Mou" and chanted his name, but others whistled in protest after a season when only the Spanish Supercup was added to the big-spending club's trophy case.
Striker Gonzalo Higuain, who confirmed he will be leaving Madrid in the summer, and midfielder Michael Essien, on loan from Chelsea, made it 2-0 to Madrid before the break yesterday. Roberto Torres and Alvaro Cejudo then levelled for Osasuna before Karim Benzema and Jose Callejon scored late goals to end Mourinho's reign with a victory.
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