Benfica: José Mourinho sets the record straight on the Vinicius affair

Since the first leg of the Champions League clash between Real Madrid and Benfica, José Mourinho has found himself at the center of controversy. He has faced heavy criticism from several football figures.

Although he did not attend the press conference ahead of the second leg against Los Merengues at the Santiago Bernabéu, José Mourinho made a point to clarify his comments at length this Sunday.

"I like Álvaro Arbeloa and I will continue to have respect for him, but I believe I made the right decision, not him. I said: 'I want to be neutral—neither defending my own nor attacking the other.' I want to remain impartial in a matter that could be very serious. What I said refers to the presumption of innocence. As a citizen, I am someone who rejects any kind of prejudice or foolishness (...) If my player has not respected these principles, which are mine and those of Benfica, his career under a coach named Mourinho and at a club like Benfica is over. I'm not a lawyer, but I'm not ignorant either; the presumption of innocence is a right. If the player is indeed guilty, I will never look at him the same way again and that will be the end with me, but I have to put a lot of 'ifs' before that.", explained the Portuguese manager.

Joshua SOSSOU

Editorfr, en, ar

As a sports fan, and particularly a football fan, I've been putting my writing talent to good use for a number of years now to promote African talent and the continent's football in general. On Foot Africa, enjoy reading each of my lines.