Jose Mourinho has told Michael Essien to STOP calling him a hilarious nickname as the legendary Chelsea boss e

Jose Mourinho hilariously explained he has had to tell former Chelsea star Michael Essien to stop calling him a certain name as he joked they are nearly the same age.

The 61-year-old made the hilarious revelation when he was describing the loyalty that he has been shown by African players during his stellar managerial career.

Mourinho coached the likes of Didier Drogba, Michael Essien and John Obi Mikel during his two stints at Stamford Bridge, while also working with other players from the African continent elsewhere around Europe as well.

Having been sacked as Roma head coach in January following a difficult run of form, Mourinho is now waiting for the next offer that convinces him to get back into top level football.

Delivering success at every club he has been at, with the exception of Tottenham, Mourinho has worked with some of the world's best players, boasting a cv of training Cristiano Ronaldo, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Wayne Rooney and others.

Jose Mourinho has revealed how some of his former African players have a special nickname for him

Mourinho previously worked with Ghana's Michael Essien during their time at Chelsea

The 61-year-old shared a close relationship with former Chelsea striker Didier Drogba

But, the legendary Portuguese manager revealed how he has always been able to rely on African players throughout his career and explained how the likes of Essien have nicknamed him 'daddy'.

'I cannot go to Africa,'  José Mourinho, Football.com Global ambassador told FIVE as he explained the fanfare made over his arrival when he visits the continent.

'Too much everywhere. Because, you know, I had, you know Didier Drogba - Ivory Coast, Geremi - Cameroon, Kalou - Ivory Coast, Obi Mikel - Nigeria, Essien - Ghana, I have guys all around the world. 

'Every time I go to Africa I cannot walk. The guys they love me. Even in Europe with many African guys people really loves me. To be honest I love the guys and I feel that the African player is very loyal and very pure.

Mourinho admitted he 'loves' African players he has worked with because they are 'very loyal and pure'

Mourinho hilariously revealed that he has had to tell Essien to stop calling him 'daddy' 

'Many of them they call me daddy and some of them they are almost my age when when Essien calls me daddy I say "Michael Come on don't call me daddy, we're almost my age,' he joked.

'But you know this affection exists you know I love the guys I love to work with the African players.

'I think I take the best out of the guys. I think the guys they see me somebody that really loves them and admire their qualities as players in persons I always loved and I always had great response from African players,' said Mourinho.

All three parts of the interview will be available on FIVE’s YouTube. The full interview with José Mourinho will be available on @FIVEUK’s audio platforms, Spotify, Apple and Google Podcasts.