Chelsea legends Michael Essien and Didier Drogba have jumped to the defence of their former manager Jose Mourinho, who is currently being accused of racism in Turkey.
Jose Mourinho was accused of making a racial statement to the bench of Galatasaray on Monday, February 24, 2025, after Fenerbache’s drawn game against their arch rivals.
The comments prompted Galatasaray to announce their intention to initiate legal proceedings against the former Real Madrid coach.
However, with football fans, especially Africans defending the former legendary Portuguese club football legend, Essien and Drogba have also joined the fray.
The former Black Stars midfielder posted a photo on social media, which had him, Didier Drogba and Jose Mourinho, with a love emoji.
Michael Essien worked with Jose Mourinho at Chelsea and Real Madrid during his playing days.
Didier Drogba, who also played for Galatasaray in the past, indicated that Mourinho has never been a racist “and history is there to prove it.”
In a post on X, Drogba addressed Galatasaray, “You know how proud I was to wear the yellow and red jersey and my love for the most decorated club in Turkey!! We all know how passionate and heated rivalries can be, and I’ve been lucky enough to experience it. I’ve seen the recent comments about Jose Mourinho. Trust me when I tell you I have known Jose for 25 years, and he is not a racist and history (past and recent ) is there to prove it. Let’s focus on our games, support our brilliant lions, and let’s win the league to get close to our 5. How can my “Dad” be a racist. Come on guys,” he wrote.
Jose Mourinho, has come under scrutiny over alleged racist remarks directed at Galatasaray during a heated clash against Fenerbahce.
The highly anticipated derby ended in a goalless draw, keeping Galatasaray six points clear at the top of the Turkish Super Lig.
However, the aftermath of the match has been dominated by controversy following the former Chelsea manager’s comment that the Galatasaray bench was “jumping like monkeys.”
Galatasaray swiftly condemned the remarks, announcing plans to “initiate criminal proceedings concerning the racist statements made by Jose Mourinho and vowed to escalate the matter to UEFA and FIFA.
