Former Manchester United star Jesse Lingard has revealed that his 'chilled' ex-coach Jose Mourinho used to call him from his hotel room.
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Lingard reveals FaceTimes with Mourinho'Chilled' Mourinho gave him a lot of confidenceFinding form again in Korea with FC SeoulFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Lingard played under Mourinho at United between the summer of 2016 and December 2018, with the England international making 107 appearances under the Portuguese coach. The midfielder, now playing with FC Seoul in Korea, has now revealed that Mourinho was very 'chilled' and FaceTimed him multiple times, which indirectly boosted his confidence on the field. He also talked about being trusted by Gareth Southgate in the 2018 World Cup for England.
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Speaking to The Independent, Lingard said: “Mourinho was so chilled sometimes. He used to FaceTime me from his room in the Lowry [hotel], ask me what I’m doing. I thought that was a real confidence boost.
“During that season, leading up to the 2018 World Cup, Jose played me most games… it was a big season. And you know, going to the World Cup, you’re not expecting to start. But Gareth Southgate had a lot of faith in me from a young age, and I played every game.”
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Lingard's future beyond Mourinho's departure from Manchester United failed to bear a lot of fruit as the England international struggled under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer before being sent out on loan to West Ham. After his contract with the Red Devils ran out, he joined Nottingham Forest but lasted just one season. Lingard then joined FC Seoul after half a season out of the game.
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The former England wonderkid has failed to live up to the hype, although he has found his best form since his time with United at FC Seoul. Lingard added: "Even though I’m far away from my family and my daughter, last year I had a blast,” he says. “My daughter and family came out. It was good. Sometimes it’s good to just get away and have a little bit of change. I’m still happy playing football, no matter where I am."