Roma ultras thanked Mourinho before Real Madrid clash: ‘You gave us back the ability to dream’

Roma’s Curva Sud presented José Mourinho with a bronze Capitoline Wolf and a letter before Wednesday’s Champions League clash with Real Madrid, thanking their former coach for giving them back “the ability to dream”.

According to the Corriere dello Sport, representatives of the Giallorossi’s ultras met Mourinho before kick-off and handed over a 1925 bronze wolf by J. Cuevas.

The letter explained that supporters never had the chance to say goodbye after his sacking in January 2024. “Mister, they didn’t give us time to thank you and say goodbye, so we are doing it today,” it read. “Thank you for giving us back dignity, pride and the ability to dream. That is worth more than any victory.”

ROME, ITALY – OCTOBER 14: Jose Mourinho, Head Coach of Real Madrid, reacts during the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD2 match between AS Roma and Real Madrid C.F. at Stadio Olimpico on October 14, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Tullio M. Puglia/Getty Images)

Mourinho thanks Roma fans after Curva Sud tribute

The fans also quoted a member of the group who has since died: “We didn’t win much, but winning once was enough to say we had won more than anyone.”

“This Capitoline Wolf means that Rome recognises you as its son. Thank you forever, Mister.”

The tribute continued inside the Olimpico, where the Curva Sud unveiled a choreography in his honour and the whole stadium sang his name. Mourinho waved and blew a kiss to the stands, before his Real Madrid side came from 3-1 down to win 4-3 with three late goals.

ROME, ITALY – OCTOBER 14: AS Roma fans before the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD2 match between AS Roma and Real Madrid C.F. at Stadio Olimpico on October 14, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Tullio M. Puglia/Getty Images)

Mourinho led Roma to the Conference League title in 2022 and the Europa League final a year later. He responded to the tribute on social media.

“When the most beautiful moments of a long career are neither the goals nor the victories, but emotions for which I can only humbly express my gratitude,” he wrote. “Thank you Roma, thank you Romanisti. Emotion and eternal gratitude to you.”