by ‘Ifreke Inyang

250 journalists obediently crammed into a room. There were 40 TV crews present in the building. These are numbers that confirmed that Jose Mourinho is box-office. Monday was his official unveiling, after he completed his second coming to Stamford Bridge and it was a fantastic opportunity for pressman to eat from his table.

Fashionably late for the occasion, the former Real Madrid arrived to a million camera flashes and desperate yelps from cameramen. He took his time to pose for pictures, revelling in the affection the English media has for him.

And then, it was time to milk the soundbites.

The first question flew out. “Are you still the Special One?”

“I am the Happy One,” he said. It was almost instant. And that statement alone has become headlines for all the major sports websites and blogs I read.

This, is why we – this writer included – absolutely love the Portuguese showman. Articulate, blunt, engaging and armed with charisma.

However, as intriguing as that statement is, I find it hard to wrap my head around it. Was there ever a time when Mourinho was sad? I think not. From FC Porto to Inter Milan to Real Madrid, it has always been about him. He always sought absolute control, influenced every decision and before you knew it, he was on a flight to another country.

Like he admitted at the unveiling, he was never one to stay long. It was all an adventure playing with rich owners’ cheque books, to fund his insatiable appetite for trophies.

He said: “My adventure around Europe was fantastic for me. I think, for this moment, with my 50th birthday, I am still very young. It is the beginning of a new period.”

In the last three years, it has not gone his way and the 50-year-old has aged badly and been brought down to earth.

“When I was managing for the first time. I thought I knew everything. After managing for 13 years, your realise you know nothing,” he quipped.

The Manchester clubs snubbed him. Pep Guardiola snubbed Abramovich. There was no other option than a reunion between Abramovich and Mourinho, who he denied falling apart with.

“I am returning to a house where I was happy and successful. The expectations are higher because people know what I can deliver. I know this club has a special fan base, a special club.

“I need a special family and this club gives me this.”

That word ‘special’ again. Yes, I agree you are special, Jose. But it is time to weave your magic, like only, absolutely can. Sugar-coated words will not be your salvation this time around.