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Mourinho lashes out after Benitez's wife sparks row

Last updated on: July 30, 2015 18:52 IST

'The only club where her husband replaced me was at Inter Milan where, in six months, he destroyed the best team in Europe at the time'

'And if she takes care of her husband's diet, she will have less time to speak about me'

Jose Mourinho

Jose Mourinho. Photograph: Getty Images

Jose Mourinho has launched a stinging attack on Real Madrid manager Rafael Benitez after the Spaniard's wife teased the Chelsea boss by saying her husband was always having to tidy up messes left by the Portuguese.

Montserrat Seara triggered the attack after Spanish newspaper La Region published her light-hearted remark following Benitez's appointment at the Bernabeu last month, the third time he has joined a club previously managed by his rival.

Mourinho was clearly not amused and speaking to reporters after Chelsea beat European champions Barcelona on penalties in a Washington friendly, he delivered a withering straight-faced response.

"The lady is a bit confused," he said after the match that ended in a 2-2 draw.

"I am not laughing...

"Her husband went to Chelsea to replace Roberto Di Matteo and he went to Real Madrid and replaced Carlo Ancelotti.

"The only club where her husband replaced me was at Inter Milan where, in six months, he destroyed the best team in Europe at the time.

"For her also to think about me, and to speak about me, I think she needs to occupy her time.

"And if she takes care of her husband's diet, she will have less time to speak about me."

Rafa Benitez

Real Madrid coach Rafa Benitez calls out to his players during the International Champions Cup friendly against AS Roma at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Photograph: Robert Cianflone/Getty Images

Benitez was hired by Inter Milan in 2010 after Mourinho had led an ageing team to a European and domestic treble before leaving for Real Madrid. The Spaniard was dismissed after six months, with the club down in seventh place in Serie A.

The Spaniard also managed Chelsea on an interim basis, succeeding Roberto Di Matteo in 2012, five years after Mourinho's first spell ended, when the Italian Di Matteo was sacked six months after winning the Champions League.

His spouse's comments appear to have rekindled a bitter feud between the two men that dates back to his time in charge at Liverpool, when he clashed with Mourinho several times between 2005 and 2007.

Source: REUTERS
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