Didier Drogba has come to the defence of Jose Mourinho after Galatasaray accused the Portuguese manager of racism.
The Turkish club plans to file complaints with UEFA and FIFA over Mourinho’s post-match comments following Monday’s 0-0 draw between Galatasaray and Fenerbahce.
Galatasaray said they would launch criminal proceedings against the Fenerbahce boss for “derogatory statements” against Turkish people.
Drogba, who played under Mourinho at Chelsea and also for Galatasaray, insists his former manager is not racist.
Didier Drogba has come to the defence of Jose Mourinho after Galatasaray accused the Portuguese manager of racism
PA
Mourinho sparked controversy with comments about the Galatasaray bench “jumping like monkeys” after an early challenge during the match.
He also remarked that the game was better because it wasn’t officiated by a Turkish referee.
Galatasaray claimed in a statement that Mourinho “has persistently issued derogatory statements directed towards the Turkish people” since taking over at Fenerbahce in June 2024.
The incident occurred during a tense 0-0 draw between the top two sides in the Turkish Super Lig.
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Dear @GalatasaraySK
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.
Ive seen the recent comments about Jose…
— Didier Drogba (@didierdrogba) February 26, 2025
Drogba took to social media platform X on Wednesday to defend the 62-year-old Mourinho.
“Dear @GalatasaraySK, You know how proud I was to wear the yellow and red jersey and my love for the most decorated club in Turkey!!” he said.
“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.
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“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 5th star.”
Drogba has a unique perspective on the situation, having played for Galatasaray in 2013-14 between two spells at Chelsea under Mourinho.
The Ivorian legend made his feelings clear about his relationship with the Portuguese manager.
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“How can my ‘Dad’ be a racist Come on guys,” Drogba added in his social media post.
This father-figure reference highlights the close bond formed during their successful periods together at Chelsea.
Fenerbahce issued their own statement on Tuesday defending their manager.
The club said Mourinho’s comments were “taken completely out of context and deliberately distorted”.
Jose Mourinho and Didier Drogba won three Premier League titles together at Chelsea
PA
They insisted the remarks could “in no way be associated with racism”.
Galatasaray currently lead Fenerbahce by six points at the top of the Super Lig.
The league leaders would add a fifth star to those already on their crest if they secure a 25th league title this season.