Roma coach Jose Mourinho could not hold back his tears after leading his team to the final of the European Football Conference League last night, and said that the third continental championship in terms of importance represents the Champions League for the club.
Tammy Abraham scored a header in the first half to lead Roma to a 1-0 win over Leicester City last night and 2-1 on aggregate, to face the Italian club Feyenoord in the final of the first edition of the tournament on May 25.
Tammy Abraham returns the favor to Special One Jose Mourinho 🤩⚽️ # European Conference_League # Roma_Leicester # Roma pic.twitter.com/aUYw8TGZWm
— beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS) May 5, 2022
"This is a giant club," Mourinho said. "We've only reached the final and we haven't won the title yet, but it means a lot to the club. Of course, I've had more moments than this, but I don't feel for myself, but for the fans and the players. For us, this tournament is like the Champions League."
Mourinho, who took over as Roma coach in May last year, cried while embracing his assistant staff after the victory.
Jose Mourinho in tears after reaching the Conference final.
Might not be the biggest final in his career, but man does this show how much he loves the game.
Imagine not loving this man.
pic.twitter.com/ZNXoAGqzOq
— Xav Salazar (@XavsFutbol) May 5, 2022
JOSÉ MOURINHO AND ROMA ARE THROUGH TO THE FIRST EVER #UECL FINAL.
🐺 pic.twitter.com/ONqCJsyUwq
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) May 5, 2022
The Portuguese coach has now reached the fifth continental final with 4 different clubs and has won all previous finals with Porto, Inter Milan and Manchester United.
He added, "I cried because my feelings were with everyone who loves this club. I was fortunate to have played in more important finals than that, but in terms of the way we created this family atmosphere here it makes me feel special."
Fifth-placed Roma will move to Fiorentina next Monday.