Jose Mourinho’s return to Stamford Bridge on Tuesday night may not have ended the way he wanted on the pitch, but it once again highlighted the special bond he shares with Chelsea supporters.

Now in charge of Benfica, Mourinho was welcomed warmly by the Blues faithful despite being in the opposition dugout.

After Chelsea’s 1-0 victory, the Portuguese legend reflected on that connection – while making it clear that his competitive fire still burns.

“I don’t feed myself with these memories,” said Mourinho after Chelsea’s 1-0 win.

“I feed myself with victories.”

Mourinho acknowledged the emotional pull of returning to the ground where he wrote so much history, and admitted his love affair with Chelsea fans will last forever 

“Of course I take (the memories). On the pitch I was focused on the game, but you have always a little bit of the sound.

“I thank (the fans). I live around and when I’m in London I meet them every day on the street. I know that it’s going to be a relationship for ever.

“Hopefully I come back here in 20 years with my grandkids. They belong to my history and I belong to their history.”