'Jose Mourinho's intended classy gesture failed to come off – it only caused me problems' Jose Mourinho asked Celestine Babayaro to join in Chelsea's guard of honour – despite the fact that he was with Newcastle United at the time.
Yet, despite not sharing in the glory of being a recognised league champion with the Blues, Mourinho did not overlook Babayaro's past efforts when Chelsea visited St. James' Park on the final day of the season.
While Chelsea clinched the league title, the former Nigeria international missed out on the Premier League medal as he fell short of the necessary 10 appearances, having played only four times.
"When I think of standout memories with Jose, I actually think about my move to Newcastle, and how he still played a part in my career, despite me not playing for the club anymore," he said.
Speaking at the Ladbrokes' Gaffer event, he revealed that Mourinho held him in such esteem that he wanted the Nigerian to line up with his old Chelsea team-mates for a guard of honour.
