Today, the headlines are buzzing with the ongoing exchange of remarks between Pep Guardiola and José Mourinho, two eternal rivals who never fail to generate headlines—even when they’re not directly competing against each other.

However, let’s rewind to a moment when "The Special One" shared one of the most touching gestures you could imagine, a moment that many might have forgotten. This episode highlights that, beyond the rivalry on the pitch or other disagreements, mutual respect can prevail.

Mourinho Reveals Guardiola’s Gesture

“There are moments in life where we don’t forget things. One of the things I don’t forget was when my father died (in 2017)," Mourinho recalled during a press conference ahead of a Premier League clash between Tottenham Hotspur, then under his leadership, and Guardiola’s Manchester City.

“He (Guardiola) knew how important my dad was to me. He made a call. By the way, today would be my dad’s birthday, 83 today. And of course when his mum died (in 2020), I replied the same way," Mourinho added.

“There are things people don’t see, we don’t need to share. I am sharing because I have now the opportunity, but I only have good memories of him when we worked together.”

On that occasion, Manchester City defeated Mourinho’s Tottenham 3-0. Still, this press conference will be remembered as the moment when Mourinho revealed this personal and heartfelt gesture by Guardiola during a challenging time.

The Latest Feud Between Guardiola and Mourinho

Recently, Pep Guardiola made a pointed comment about José Mourinho in the media, and the Portuguese manager, in typical fashion, delivered a sharp response.

“I hope that’s not my case… He’s won three league titles; I’ve won six,” Mourinho remarked, generating a significant stir. Guardiola, responding to criticism from Liverpool fans after Manchester City’s latest loss at Anfield, held up six fingers to remind the crowd of his six English league titles. He also drew a comparison to Mourinho, who years earlier famously held up three fingers after a loss with Manchester United. That same season, Mourinho was dismissed from his role.

“I won honestly and cleanly”

Never one to miss a chance to respond, Mourinho hit back from Turkey, where he now manages Fenerbahçe. In true Mourinho style, he said, “Guardiola said something about me yesterday, about winning six trophies while I’ve won three. But I won honestly and cleanly,” Mourinho stated, according to Turkish media reports.

“If I lose, I congratulate my opponent for being better than me. But I don’t want to win with 150 lawsuits hanging over me,” he added, referencing the ongoing financial misconduct allegations against Manchester City, which could potentially lead to relegation.

This response is classic Mourinho: bold, unapologetic, and guaranteed to spark discussion.