Two decades after making one of the boldest decisions of his early managerial career, Jose Mourinho apologized to one of his former players for leaving him out of the starting lineup for the biggest match in club football.
In the summer of 2004, Porto defied all expectations and were crowned champions of Europe.
Goals from Deco, Dmitri Alenichev and Carlos Alberto in the final against Monaco secured the Portuguese club a historic Champions League trophy in what was Mourinho’s final match in charge before his move to Chelsea.
It was an unforgettable European campaign for Porto, with striker Benni McCarthy playing an important role in their journey to the final.
McCarthy, who scored 25 goals during the 2003–04 season, became one of the stars of the campaign after scoring twice against Manchester United in the last 16. It was also the first European match played at the newly opened Estádio do Dragão.
However, the in-form striker must have been surprised when Mourinho decided to start Carlos Alberto in the final.
McCarthy came on in the second half and went on to become the first—and remains the only—South African player to win the Champions League, while Carlos Alberto scored the opening and decisive goal of the final.
The decision to leave McCarthy on the bench appears to have stayed with Mourinho over the years.
Two decades later, the Portuguese manager apologized to him in an Instagram post and explained the thinking behind one of the boldest decisions of his managerial career.
“I’m sorry, @bennimac17, that I left you on the bench, but I had a feeling that that crazy boy, @calberto_oficial, was going to score,” Mourinho wrote.
“I miss the meals on the team bus. I hope we all meet again on May 26, 2029, and celebrate 25 years of an incredible story. Take care of yourselves, old men.”
There appears to be no bad blood between the two.
McCarthy has previously praised Mourinho for his “incredible” man-management skills, highlighting the strong relationship they have maintained despite the difficult decision made on that historic night in 2004.
Twenty years on, Mourinho’s apology has offered a touching reminder of the special bond between a manager and his players—and of the unforgettable night when Porto conquered Europe.