Tammy Abraham reveals how Jose Mourinho ‘gets under your skin,’ his desire to win silverware for the Roma fans and why it ‘feels good’ to see Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City transfer links.
The former Chelsea striker was a huge investment for the Giallorossi at €40m plus performance-related bonuses, but has more than repaid the club for his that effort with 23 goals in 41 competitive games.
He told talkSPORT that Mourinho’s presence was “a factor” in his decision to leave the Premier League for Roma.
“But my dad, parents and agent sat me down and said ‘you scored goals at Chelsea, Swansea and Bristol City, go and test the waters, go and experience life abroad.’ When they were speaking it kind of dawned on me that not many players can say they’ve gone out in Italy, to Serie A and a team like Rome.
“I never back down from a challenge so when this challenge came along I thought as I’m still young this is the best time for me to go and do it.”
Mourinho is living up to his ‘Special One’ moniker when it comes to Abraham, pushing the 24-year-old to keep improving.
“There’s a reason why I call him the best manager in the world. He knows how to drive you, he knows how to get under your skin and he knows how to make you feel like a very special player at times.
“He’ll never tell you but I always want to do my best for him. He pushes me to do my best. When I feel like I’ve done enough he tells me I have to do more.
“To come here and have a manager like Mourinho to coach you, to believe in you only gives you more confidence.”
Abraham confirmed England manager Gareth Southgate has been watching his Roma performances and sent a message during the break for international duty, urging him to “carry on that mentality and hunger.”
There have been reports of a potential return to the Premier League, with Chelsea having a buy-back option from 2023 worth €80m, while Manchester United and Manchester City are also interested in a swoop.
“When I see reports linking me with other clubs it makes me feel good, it makes you feel like you’re doing something right. It’s a nice feeling seeing your name all over newspapers.
“But for me it’s about focusing on doing my business here. I can keep getting linked with many clubs, but who knows what the future holds?
“Of course, I grew up in England, I’m a London boy. So maybe one day I’ll be back in the Premier League to make noise there. But for me right now it’s about focusing on Rome, on doing the best I can and hopefully winning these guys a trophy, which they haven’t done in many years.”
Roma are in the quarter-finals of the Europa Conference League, where they will face Norwegians Bodo/Glimt on Thursday.
⭐️ “There’s a reason why I call him the best manager in the world.”
👏 “He knows how to drive you & how to make you feel like a special player.”
🔥 “I always want to do my best for him.”@TammyAbraham pays tribute to his boss at @ASRomaEN, Jose Mourinho 🙌 pic.twitter.com/QtNrwIGwXI
— talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) April 3, 2022
Jose Mourihno is a great coach.
When supported, he does amazing things for his players and club.