Ghana midfielder Michael Essien has jumped to the defence of departing Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho – insisting he is not like the way many people think he is.
The iconic Portuguese coach though loved by many is also widely loathed.
His critics believe he comes across as an arrogant person with his no-nonsense, tough-talking style.
Mourinho is one manager who wouldn’t mind offering a ‘stupid’ answer when ‘stupid’ questions are thrown at him during press conferences.
His immense passion for the sport made obvious through his sometimes very frantic antics and celebrations on the touchlines has sometimes be interpreted as disrespectful to opposing teams.
This plus widespread rumours he is a destructive character in the dressing room does not endear him to many neutrals though his is widely loved.
Essien who is likely to reunite with Mourinho at Chelsea next season – as being aggressively speculated however says many have the wrong perception of the iconic manager whose true colours are only revealed once you get close enough.
“He is a lovely man,†the Ghana international said in except of a promotional video for his upcoming charity event in Ghana.
“When you work with him and get close to him you will understand the sort of person he is.
“He is very passionate about the game, he gives everything and he is very friendly, a very funny man.
“It’s funny how some people see him, like when he is giving interviews and stuff but he is totally like a lovely man.â€
Mourinho is expected is expected to make his third visit to Ghana this June on the invitation of the Ghana international to grace his charity event.