Ahead of Real Madrid's away match against Roma in the Champions League, head coach Mourinho gave an interview to Sky Sport Italia.

What's it like to return to Stadio Olimpico? Even though the real emotions will only come during tomorrow's match, we've already deeply felt the warmth and affection from everyone in the city. They want to celebrate, welcome me, and say goodbye...

It's the same for me. However, returning here as an "opponent" is even better. Because during the 90 minutes of the match, Roma fans will firmly support Roma, and I will be on Real Madrid's side. Of course, for us, the concept of "opponent" doesn't exist in the traditional sense, but we are true rivals on the pitch, competing for 90 minutes. If before the match people want to give me a special greeting and tribute, I would also very much like to embrace all Roma fans. We'll see what happens then.

Your last Serie A match was also here, against Gasperini's Atalanta. After that, you didn't have the chance to say a proper goodbye to the fans. Perhaps this is a story without the perfect ending you hoped for...

But what can we do? Life is like that, football is like that. However, this could be an opportunity – a chance to experience again the love and support that people have for me. I will certainly try to restrain and control my emotions, but perhaps I won't be able to completely, and people might understand the deep affection I have for them. But ultimately, in these 90 minutes, they want to win, and I want to win too.

Your fans know you very well and understand your character. Gasperini once said he was envious of your ability to complete big transfers and operate on the market. You both won Roma fans' hearts in different ways. On the other hand, is there anything about Gasperini that you envy? Or do you have anything in common with him?

No, I'm not envious of him. I have great respect for him. I think he's an important coach in Italian football, a coach who has done excellent work and been significant for many years, just as I have been.

From a tactical perspective, Pep Guardiola once said that playing against one of Gasperini's teams is like going to the dentist – difficult and painful. What kind of team do you expect to face tomorrow? What will Roma be like?

We've prepared thoroughly based on Roma's performances in all their previous matches, which we've studied carefully. However, they could also make some changes and adjustments, because they know very well that the players in white are certainly not an easy team to deal with. We're also prepared to handle any different changes and unexpected situations at any time. But what matters most, ultimately, is what we want to demonstrate on the pitch.

Final question: Do you expect a motivated Vinicius Jr., hungry and wanting to make a difference again? Like the Vinicius we've known from previous Champions League campaigns...

I said a few days ago – I don't know if people in Italy heard it – that when I say I'm heartbroken seeing Vinicius in his current state, it's because in everyday life, this young man is always very happy and cheerful, a young player who works and trains extremely hard. But this season, he hasn't been able to rediscover the joy of making a difference in important moments. Let's see what happens in the upcoming Champions League match, because he may face a suspension in the league. Let's see if he can find himself again.

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