Mister Mourinho's First Press Conference

Last month, I was able to watch excerpts of Mr. Mourinho's unveiling in Milan on La Gazzetta dello Sport TV online.

Here were a few comments by Mr. Mourinho:

"I have arrived at a special club...

I have never forgotten that I am a great coach, but I don't want to be anything special...

Inter gave me the opportunity to work in this fantastic footballing country. It was asked who is Jose Mourinho? Jose Mourinho always works with great passion. I am different because I work differently...

I like the mentality of Inter, and I only need 2 or 3 players to improve the group to make it more competitive. I'd like to change the footballing mentality...

I have seen many of their games this past year. I like the team...

I am not a moron..."

His Italian was impeccable. The only word he mispronounced was "special." ;-)

Massimo Moratti is paying Mister Mourinho 9 million euros a year, net, over the next three years, to bring European glory back to the Nerazzurri.

Of note for any interpreters and translators in the audience. Even though he is the son of a former professional goalkeeper, and a defender during his brief playing career, Mr. Mourinho launched his coaching activities as an interpreter for Sir Bobby Robson at Benfica and Barcelona, respectively.

I look forward to the Derby D'Italia between Inter and Juventus. When Mr. Mourinho took over at Chelsea in 2004 for Mr. Ranieri, the former said, "He never won anything, and I am a European champion."