SPECIAL ONE HUNDRED & EIGHTY
Good-luck video message from fellow Portugeezer and original ‘Special One’ Mourinho stunned dark-horse De Sousa
SPECIAL ONE Jose De Sousa launches his world-title crusade at Ally Pally tonight, fortified by a good-luck video message from the ‘other’ one – Jose Mourinho.
Portugal’s shock winner at last month’s Grand Slam of Darts quit his job as a carpente r and kitchen- fitter to chase glory on the Professional Darts Corporation circuit.
And when De
Sousa, 46, nailed the biggest payday of his career in Coventry, he was moved to tears as Sky Sports conveyed a congratulatory video from the original Special One, now boss of title-chasing Tottenham.
Mourinho playfully admonished his compatriot for “stealing” his moniker – and then asked De Sousa for a masterclass to improve his own performance on the oche.
Tonight, De Sousa, a dark horse among contenders at the William Hill PDC World Championship, faces Ross Smith in the second round, with Mourinho his biggest celebrity cheerleader.
In his video message, the Spurs boss said: “Jose De Sousa, you already stole the ‘Special One’ – but I’m very happy that you did!
“It’s not very n normal what you d did – it’s so a abnormal that it’s t the first time s someone did it.
“I’m obviously s super-proud, so a b big hug... and I hope one day we can meet and you can give me some tips because, every now and then, I like to go and play darts – but I am a bit weak. “A big hug, congratulations.” De Sousa (above) was stunned by his goodwill message from Mourinho after beating James Wade in the Grand Slam final.
He said: “It was a special moment in my life to win such a big tournament – because it gave me so much belief. From the instant I held the trophy, I knew I belonged on the big stage.
“I almost started to cry before I threw the last dart in the final. I had the respect of all the players before, but now they know I can play.
“I just hope I can go on to win more tournaments and give more happiness to my family and the people around me.
“To be seeded at the World Championship means a lot. Who knows if I can finish the year in the top 10 or higher than I am now? I don’t know if I can go to Alexandra Palace and win the biggest prize of them all, but my confidence is 200 per cent higher than it was.
“I know I can do this and, if I bring my best game, it doesn’t matter who I am playing – I will give them all big trouble.
“It was the right decision to quit my job and concentrate on playing darts full-time because winning the Grand Slam changed everything.
“I don’t have any money problems now – they are all finished. In Portugal, the people are very happy for me and I feel very comfortable on the stage.”
He may be a dab hand with a hammer, nails and kitchen cabinets, but he is still learning the skills of his new trade – like counting.
In the Grand Slam semifinal semiagainst Simon Whitlock, Whitliant he produced a brilliant 138 checkout. Nice finish ish – but he only needed 126. .
At least he can count nt on the support of a three- time Premier r League-winning boss.