The Manchester United boss said he is happy there because there is no “Special One bulls**t”, and that it’s the only place in the world where he’s really grounded.
Mou, 55, had the former Rua da Saude called Avenida Jose Mourinho in recognition of the Portuguese mastermind’s achievements in the beautiful game.
He thanked the people of the Portuguese town for the recognition before having a slight dig at his famous nickname in England, Sun writes.
“I come to Setubal because I love Setubal. Because my friends call me Ze and leave this tittle-tattle of ‘Special One’,” he said.
Mou and Setubal mayor Maria Dores Meira during the event. Image: Sun
“I am very grateful. I [normally] trade homage/tributes for victories and this is the only one I wouldn’t trade.”
“It’s a situation a little bit strange for me, because Setubal continues to be the only city where I feel like myself, Ze, Ze Mario.
“Where people treat me normally and make me feel good. Where I have made, and try to make, my profession a little extra to my essence, to who I am. I’m pure Setubalense, with all the qualities and defects.
“And because of this I am grateful for this honour and it makes me emotional.”
When asked if he will return to his hometown in the near future, the former Chelsea and Real Madrid boss got diplomatic.
“I do not know what I’ll do in post-football – I’ll be following children and grandchildren – but Setubal is always our home.”
The mayor of the town, Maria das Dores Meira gushed over Mou during the proceedings on the coast, saying he was a “Son of Setubal, a man of the world, a global personality” and “one of those Setubalenses who fill us with pride because he is really special, has a special talent, has special love for their land”.
Mourinho is one of the most successful coaches in football having won titles in four different countries including the Champions League and Europa Cup.
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