Mourinho’s father, Jose Snr, underwent surgery on a brain haemorrhage in April with his son there at his bedside.

Since then, the 77-year-old has suffered two strokes. Thankfully, he is now on the mend and recovering at home in Lisbon.

Opening up for the first time about what his family have been through, the Chelsea boss said: “My father is winning his fight, and he’s winning in a very secure way.

“He went to levels where nobody would expect. I think he’s a bit of a fighter. He went to levels where it was very doubtful and very difficult.

“But after a difficult period the recovery is good news. The evolution is amazing. Amazing. If there is any consequence of that, it’s just positive. The family is happy with a fantastic recovery.

“I know what life is. And I know that, in the end, what matters is the family. And my family is top.”

Mourinho’s concern for his father is obvious, and touching. But he insists he has used it in a positive way during his own recent troubles, which pale by comparison.

He said: “The strength of a family is to allow you to focus on your job. Obviously your heart feels. But we did a normal life. We are a strong family.”

Mourinho had been making regular trips back to Lisbon to be with his father and his situation is one the club have huge sympathy for.

It also helps to put everything that has gone wrong at Chelsea this season into some much-needed perspective.

But nobody should be in any doubt that, just like his dad, Mourinho has it what it takes to win his battle.

“I’m strong” he told us yesterday, with a smile.

(Via Star)