New Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho is finding life a bit difficult at Old Trafford this season, with the former Real Madrid manager enduring a stuttering start, whileexiling some big names in the process.
However, one player who Mourinho is a fan of is Antonio Valencia, who he tried to acquire during his time in Spain.
The Portuguese revealed that he had tried to sign Valencia back when he was Los Blancos manager, but was told in no uncertain terms that the player was not for sale.
Valencia, 31, was playing as a winger back then, but Mourinho saw him as the ideal player to operate as a right back for his Madrid team.
"I tried to sign Antonio a number of years ago, when I was at Madrid," Mourinho said toMUTV.
"Even though he was not playing right-back at the time, I thought he could be phenomenal in that position. As it was, United told me 'no chance!'"
Praise for @anto_v25 from his #MUFC team-mates and manager after a solid return from injury: https://t.co/kxTDGEopcX pic.twitter.com/5TAfJp5i52
The former Chelsea boss also said that Valencia's form was down to the amount of rest he has been afforded so far this term, but he insists that he isn't at all surprised with how well the Ecuadorian has been playing.
"I am not surprised by his form this season," Mourinho continued.
"He has been clean of injuries, save for an operation on his arm which did not keep him out for long, and I have also been able to keep him fresh by resting him in certain Europa League games.
"I think he is the right back to give us the maximum we can in terms of our attacking football."
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