New Real Madrid signing Huijsen ‘very grateful’ to Mourinho

Originally posted on Football Italia | By Lorenzo Bettoni | Last updated Jun 10, 2025 10:21 AM ET

New Real Madrid signing Dean Huijsen held his first press conference today and admitted being ‘very grateful’ to ex-Roma coach José Mourinho, who had convinced him to join the Giallorossi in 2024.

Huijsen thanked ex-Roma and Real Madrid coach Mourinho during his unveiling press conference with the Merengues on Tuesday.

A former Juventus defender, Huijsen joined Roma on a dry loan deal in the January 2024 transfer window after a call with the then-Giallorossi boss Mourinho.

Huijsen recalls Roma: ‘Very grateful to Mourinho’

“I was at Christmas dinner with my family when Mourinho called,” Huijsen recalled.

“When he calls, you have to listen. He’s one of the greatest in the history of football, and I’m very grateful to him.”

Huijsen made only three appearances under Mourinho in Rome, as the Special One was sacked by the Giallorossi just a few weeks after the defender’s loan transfer from Juventus.

Huijsen snubbed Frosinone for Roma and Mourinho

The Spain international had an agreement in place with Frosinone for the January 2024 transfer window, but changed his mind when he received the call from Mourinho.

Juventus sold Huijsen to Bournemouth for less than €20m a year ago, and the 20-year-old has now joined the Merengues on a €59.5m deal.

Huijsen has signed a contract until June 2030 at the Bernabeu.

A Juventus Academy product, Huijsen only collected one senior appearance with the Old Lady.

This article first appeared on Football Italia and was syndicated with permission.

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