Fernando Torres has dismissed the suggestion that former Real Madrid Coach Jose Mourinho is anti-Spanish.
The Chelsea striker has spoken with AS to mark his 30th birthday and the Chelsea manager was one of many subjects raised.
Mourinho was accused of holding a grudge against Madrid’s Spanish players during his time at Santiago Bernabeu but Torres has said it’s wrong to accuse the Portuguese of that.
“Mourinho is a normal, working person. He likes to have the team concept above anything else and when he wins titles wherever he goes, it’s really something,” Torres said.
“He and his team have good memories of Spain in their time at Madrid.
“There are his numbers, records and all he did there. Of course he has nothing against Spaniards.”
Torres is joined by Cesar Azpilicueta in representing La Roja at Stamford Bridge, and Azpi has dislodged England international Ashley Cole at left-back, although Mourinho did sanction the sale of Juan Mata in January.
Current Madrid Coach Carlo Ancelotti is a former Chelsea manager and Torres was asked for his thoughts on the Italian.
“Carlo is a very Real Madrid Coach. When I met him I thought he would do well there,” Torres added.
“Ancelotti has been a footballer and knows how to treat them, how to give them confidence and above all, is a very quiet, very open Coach.
“The pressure won’t affect him and he’s doing a great job. He’s a great Coach and his results say so.”
Torres was also asked about the manager who took him to Liverpool, Rafael Benitez, having also played under Benitez at Chelsea last season.
“Rafa was a turning point in my career. I went from a player who plays football to a player who understands football and begins to apply the best of himself for the good of the team.
“He taught me think about football, not just play.”
Torres was part of the Spain side under the late Luis Aragones but wasn’t included in the squad for the national team’s last friendly, against Italy, when tributes were paid to the wise man of Hortaleza.
“Luis came at a time we didn’t see [how important the national team was]. Being called up was a prize, but it seemed more like an individual award: I do well for my team and I get to go to the national team and the results were less.
“Luis jumped on that and told us that it starts now, you’re here because you’ve earned it but you’re here to wear the shirt of Spain and win.
“I was there in 2010 when he had left and was ‘criticising’ the team and provided a wake-up call. I’m sure Luis will be present at the World Cup.
“The tribute at the Calderon was well-deserved. It didn’t hurt not being there for the tribute. It hurt not being with the team.”
Torres has also spoken about his time at Liverpool and his 2011 move to Chelsea and current Atletico Coach Diego Simeone.
