Mourinho:  Fulham boss Parker  was a serious and  honest player at Chelsea

Tottenham manager, Jose Mourinho, has given his opinion of his opposite number at Fulham – Scott Parker.

Spurs take on Fulham on Thursday in a huge game that could determine whether they can keep up with the teams vying for fourth position.

Mourinho coached Parker during his time at Chelsea, and when asked if he ever pictured the English becoming a manager, he replied: “No, too young. He was too young.

“After that he went to Newcastle and then to Tottenham and then England, too. He was too young and the majority of the players they don’t even think about it in the beginning of their careers.

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“Some say yes, some no. You don’t know and you’re not focused on that.

“What I saw from the beginning, I saw he was serious, honest, young football player, a team player, a guy that understood immediately that in a team with Frank Lampard, Makelele, the quality there, to play more than he was playing, he had only one option which was difficult decision of leaving.

Then he made a very good career. I have good memories of him, he was a team player, even not playing much he was always there for us when we needed.