Jose Mourinho has paid tribute to Eddie Howe for doing 'good work' at Newcastle United as Sir Bobby Robson's former assistant reaffirmed his affection for the club.
Although Mourinho decided against following Sir Bobby to Tyneside, as his number two, in 1999, the Roma boss considers himself to be a 'little Magpie '. Sir Bobby, after all, used to tell his protégé all about his 26-mile pilgrimage from Langley Park to St James' as a young boy during their time together at Sporting Lisbon, Porto and Barcelona.
Mourinho may have gone on to become one of the most decorated managers in history, winning trophies at Porto, Chelsea, Inter Milan, Real Madrid and Manchester United, but the Portuguese never forgot those early years with Sir Bobby. To this day, after a defeat, Mourinho remembers how Sir Bobby used to remind him to think about how happy the victorious players are in the other dressing room to try and ease the pain.
READ MORE: Eddie Howe to get ruthless and unveil 'different' Newcastle team to cope with new 'expectations'
Mourinho still affectionately refers to St James' as 'Mr Robson's home' and the 59-year-old has certainly taken note of Newcastle's turnaround under Howe.
"I learned what Newcastle is and I learned how to like the club very much through Sir Bobby's eyes and heart, and I'm very happy that they found their stability," he told Sky Sports. "Eddie is doing good work. The club gave him the tools for a change in the January market and I wish them the best."
For the latest Newcastle news direct to your inbox, go here to sign up to our free newsletter
