Drogba, Essien defend former boss Mourinho in Turkey racism row

The National Times - Drogba, Essien defend former boss Mourinho in Turkey racism row

SPORTS 26.02.2025

Drogba, Essien defend former boss Mourinho in Turkey racism row / Photo: © AFP/File

Former Ivory Coast striker Didier Drogba and Michael Essien, his Ghanaian ex-teammate at Chelsea, on Wednesday defended their former coach Jose Mourinho, who has been accused of racist remarks by Turkish club Galatasaray.

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Galatasaray said it would launch criminal proceedings against Fenerbahce manager Mourinho following Monday's drawn league match when the 62-year-old said the home bench had been "jumping like monkeys".

Fenerbahce responded by saying the Portuguese coach's comments had been "taken out of context" and "deliberately distorted".

Drogba, who was Chelsea's record signing when he joined in 2004 and one of Mourinho's key players when he guided them to back-to-back Premier League titles, took to X to lend his support.

"I've seen the recent comments about Jose Mourinho. Trust me when I tell you I have known Jose for 25 years and he is not a racist and history (past and recent) is there to prove it," posted Drogba who also went on to play for Galatasaray, adding: "How can my 'Dad' be a racist?"

Essien also came to his old coach's defence, posting on X and Instagram an old photo of himself and Drogba alongside Mourinho, accompanied by three hearts.

H.Davies--TNT

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The National Times - Drogba, Essien defend former boss Mourinho in Turkey racism row