Jose Mourinho worked with goalkeeping coach Silvino Rulo at Porto, Chelsea, Inter Milan, Real Madrid and Manchester United, and the pair achieved great success.
Jose Mourinho worked with Silvino Rulo for years (Image: Chris Brunskill/Getty Images)
Manager Jose Mourinho has posted an emotional tribute to Silvino Rullo after his longtime ally passed away at the age of 67. Roullo worked as a goalkeeping coach under Mourinho and was flooded with tributes when news of his death was announced on Thursday night.
He was a regular on the bench alongside Mourinho during his spells at Porto, Chelsea, Inter Milan, Real Madrid and Manchester United. Louro thus became part of the Portuguese coach’s greatest success.
A former Benfica keeper, he worked with some of the most famous goalkeepers in the modern game, including David de Gea, Petr Cech and Iker Casillas. Roullo’s achievements were praised, with Mourinho sharing a touching message on Instagram alongside a black-and-white photo of the pair.
“Right now I’m crying, but I’m sure we’ll laugh, we’ll laugh a lot, we’ll talk about you and we’ll remember every moment. You are loved in the Mourinho family and you will always live on. I will always listen to you before every game, ‘Brother, it’s going to be okay.’ Rest assured, little hands.”
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Among the former players who responded were John Terry, Nemanja Matic, Robbie Keane, Antonio Valencia, Sergio Romero and Shay Given. Former goalkeeper Julio Cesar wrote: “Unbelievable,” while former Chelsea manager Marina Granovskaia also responded.
Cesar worked under Rulo at Inter Milan from 2008 to 2010. The Brazilian keeper was named UEFA’s best goalkeeper during his time at the club, and is one of three players to win the award under Rulo, including Porto’s Vitor Baia and Chelsea’s Cech.
“During almost three seasons at United, Rullo oversaw a close-knit goalkeeping group that included David de Gea, Sergio Romero, Sam Johnstone and Joel Pereira,” United said in a statement.
Silvino Rua was with Jose Mourinho at Manchester United (Image: Ellis Rua/Getty Images)
“The former Benfica stopper was a high-profile member of the Reds squad that won three trophies in the 2016/17 season: the FA Community Shield, the League Cup and the UEFA Europa League. “Our thoughts are with Silvino’s family and friends at this difficult time.”
Chelsea added: “Everyone at Chelsea FC is deeply saddened by the passing of former goalkeeper coach Silvino Rullo. Our thoughts and condolences go to his family and friends at this difficult time.”
Louro was a great player in his own right, enjoying a 23-year career with Benfica, Porto, Vitoria Setubal, Vitoria Guimarães, Aves and Salgueiros before retiring in 2000 at the age of 41. He won 23 caps for Portugal.
Benfica said: “Benfica expresses its deep sadness at the passing of Mr. Silvino. The former goalkeeper for club and country will forever remain in the memory of Benfica fans as an impressive figure of the generation he honored with the badge on his chest.”
“The club extends its deepest condolences to his family and friends.”
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