Giggs exit, Ferguson and youth talent discussed by Mourinho

Jose Mourinho: Reflects on Ryan Giggs' departure

Jose Mourinho: Reflects on Ryan Giggs' departure

Jose Mourinho insists Sir Alex Ferguson will always be welcome at his training sessions and has discussed Ryan Giggs’ departure and his record of promoting youth.

The Portuguese was officially unveiled as the successor to Louis van Gaal on Tuesday, and wasted no time in aiming a dig at the Dutchman, as well as Arsene Wenger.

He also discussed potential moves for Paul Pogba and Henrikh Mkhitaryan, the latter of which is almost completed.

The 53-year-old then turned his attention to former assistant manager Ryan Giggs, who ended his 29-year association with the club this week to pursue his managerial targets.

“It’s not my responsibility that Ryan is not in the club,” Mourinho said. “The job Ryan wanted was the manager’s job. And the club decided that was the job for me.

“Ryan wants to be a manager. He could have had any position. The manager wanted to give him any position in the club.

“He was brave. He was honest so good luck to him. If he wants to come back when I’m here, I will always say yes.”

On former manager Ferguson, who Mourinho has previously identified as a role model, he added: “Bring my typical bottle of wine because now we are going to have lots of occasions together.

“He will always be welcome to the training ground. His opinion is always an important one for me. We will have time to share together.”

Mourinho was then asked whether he will continue the proud tradition of promoting young players at Old Trafford, to which he replied: “You know how many players I appreciate from academies? 49. 49. 49. I promote 49 players from academies.”