Brazilian forward Reginaldo has recounted how a strong performance against Inter in 2009 led to reported interest from then-Inter coach José Mourinho. The revelation came during a retrospective look at a Serie A match between Inter and Siena from that year. Reginaldo was playing for Siena at the time and impressed Mourinho enough for the Portuguese manager to consider a move for the player.
According to Reginaldo, former Inter right-back Maicon Douglas Sisenando informed him that Mourinho had specifically requested information about his availability. While a transfer never materialized, the interest from one of Italy’s top clubs was a significant moment in Reginaldo’s career. He described being told by Maicon that Mourinho “wanted me.”
Reginaldo’s time at Siena saw him emerge as a promising Serie A talent, scoring consistently despite the club’s often precarious position in the league. He joined Siena in 2007 and spent three seasons with the Tuscan club, becoming a fan favorite for his energetic displays and goalscoring ability. He later moved to Fiorentina in 2010.
The 2009-10 season was a particularly successful one for Inter, as they secured a historic treble under Mourinho’s leadership, winning Serie A, the Coppa Italia, and the Champions League. The club was already stacked with attacking talent, including Samuel Eto’o, Diego Milito, and Goran Pandev, which may have contributed to the decision not to pursue Reginaldo further. Mourinho’s Inter were known for their tactical flexibility and emphasis on a strong squad depth.
Reginaldo’s story highlights the often-unseen scouting network and player assessments that take place behind the scenes at top football clubs. Though the transfer did not come to fruition, the interest from Mourinho represents a notable acknowledgement of his talent during that period. The incident provides a glimpse into Mourinho’s meticulous approach to player recruitment and his awareness of talent throughout the Italian league.
