JOSE MOURINHO has paid an emotional tribute to Her Majesty Elizabeth II.
The former Manchester United, Chelsea and Tottenham manager said he was “so sorry” to hear the news of her death.
Buckingham Palace confirmed yesterday in a statement that The Queen had passed away peacefully at Balmoral aged 96.
Mourinho learned of the news while his Roma side were in Europa League action against Bulgarian side Ludogorets.
And after the game, Mourinho, 59, paid tribute to Her Majesty, calling The Queen “a wonderful figure”.
He told Sky Italia: “I am so sorry to hear this news.
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“I am not a foreigner in Britain, it is my home, my family’s home, we’ve lived there for many years.
“She was a wonderful figure. I don’t know anyone who didn’t have respect for her. She was a great lady as well as a Queen.”
Mourinho has spent much of his managerial career in the UK, having two spells with Chelsea, plus time in charge of United and Spurs.
His Portuguese countryman, Cristiano Ronaldo, also penned an emotional tribute to Her Majesty Elizabeth II.
The Manchester United star said: “Seven years of my career were played in the Premier League, making this my 8th season living in England.
“Throughout these years, I’ve felt the everlasting love of the UK for it’s Queen, and how important Her Majesty was and will forever be to the British people.
“I pay my respect to her memory and I mourn this irreplaceable lost with the country that I’ve learned to call home. My thoughts and prayers are with the Royal Family.”
They joined a number of sporting stars in honouring The Queen.
England captain Harry Kane wrote on Twitter: “My thoughts are with the Royal Family at this very difficult time.
“The Queen was an amazing inspiration and will be remembered for her incredible years of service to this country. Rest in peace, Your Majesty.”
While WBC heavyweight boxing champion Tyson Fury said on Instagram: “Thoughts & prayers with my Queen tonight, may God be with you. RIP. may the lord god grant u a good bed in heaven.”
