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Smalling Sends Good-Luck Message to New Real Madrid Coach Mourinho

8/6/2026

Summary

Story summary

Chris Smalling sent a good-luck message to José Mourinho (coach) after Mourinho became Real Madrid head coach this summer.
Mourinho publicly criticised Smalling in November 2016 for playing through a broken toe while Mourinho and Smalling were at Manchester United.
Smalling said Mourinho chose him for most games at Manchester United and later at Roma because he trusted him.
Smalling noted Mourinho sends him memes, indicating two remain on good terms.

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Story summary

Chris Smalling sent a good-luck message to José Mourinho (coach) after Mourinho became Real Madrid head coach this summer.
Mourinho publicly criticised Smalling in November 2016 for playing through a broken toe while Mourinho and Smalling were at Manchester United.
Smalling said Mourinho chose him for most games at Manchester United and later at Roma because he trusted him.
Smalling noted Mourinho sends him memes, indicating two remain on good terms.