The serialisation of Diego Torres’ latest fly-on-the-wall book from inside Real Madrid, “Prepare to lose: The Mourinho Era”, reveals just how devastated Jose Mourinho was to be snubbed by Manchester United. Taken from the chapter entitled “To cry”:

“Mourinho, encouraged by his devoted agent [Jorge] Mendes believed that Ferguson, as well as an ally, was his friend and Godfather. He was convinced that they enjoyed a friendship of genuine trust. He thought that his fabulous collection of trophies – two European Cups, seven league titles and four cups in four different countries – made for a resumé no other candidate had. When he learnt he had chosen Moyes, Mou was incredulous. He screamed: ‘But he’s won nothing!’”

Mourinho’s outburst is described as “the most disgraceful hours in his time as Real Madrid manager,” and details hours that the 50-year-old spent unable to sleep and with his mobile phone glued to his head.

“Jorge Mendes, president and owner of Gestifute, was involved at Old Trafford more than any agent. No representative did such huge or such peculiar business with Ferguson. Nobody prepared more carefully, nor knew how to transmit to the media the idea that there was a predestined successor [to Ferguson]. But if the propaganda affected the consciousness of one man, is was Mourinho himself.”

After missing out on the United job, Mourinho then accepted Chelsea’s offer, and claimed this was the job he always wanted, despite plenty of reports to the contrary.

Boo hoo for The Crying One.