In the first game following Jose Mourinho's dismissal at Chelsea back in December 2015, one banner in particular at Stamford Bridge got the world of football talking.
'The 3 rats... Hazard, Cesc and Costa', read the banner as Chelsea fans demonstrated their support towards their most successful manager ever after he was sacked with the club sitting a dismal 16th in the Premier League. In fact, some of these players were even booed over the tannoy ahead of the game with Sunderland.
There was a real sense of Chelsea's star players betraying the 'Special One' - who had given fans some of their biggest memories within football - just a season after he stormed to his third league title with the club.
Fast forward three years and the script couldn't be any different.
He is still held in high regard by some Chelsea fans for delivering a host of silverware but animosity is clear to see among the Stamford Bridge faithful whenever Mourinho returns as Manchester United manager.
Yes he went to a Premier League rival at the beginning of 2016 but the fans' anger isn't just pinned to that.
What Mourinho was hoping would be a special first return to Stamford Bridge in October 2016 in the Premier League, ended in complete disaster.
Mourinho's United side went 1-0 down inside the first minute after Pedro opened the scoring before they ended up being humiliated 4-0 with even N'Golo Kante getting on the scoresheet.
But the seeds were put in place immediately after the final whistle with Mourinho having a touchline dispute with Antonio Conte, who went over to shake hands with his counterpart.
Mourinho vented his frustration with the then Chelsea manager for gesticulating to get the Stamford Bridge crowd singing with time running out despite his side already being in complete control.
Speaking in Italian, Mourinho used the full-time handshake to tell Conte that his cheerleading antics were used to humiliate him in front of his former fans.
From then on, Mourinho's relationship with Chelsea has never been the same. Just under six months later, he returned for an FA Cup clash, which again United lost 1-0.
United's defence of their FA Cup title came to a sudden halt at his former club and he was the target of plenty of abuse from the Chelsea fans.
He was barracked by a section of Chelsea's East Stand during a fractious clash with chants being heard of 'Judas', 'You're not special any more' and 'It's all your fault', the last a reference to Chelsea being out of Europe at the time.
Mourinho - who flicked up three fingers during the abuse in reference to his three Premier League titles with Chelsea - as ever had to have the last word and after the match in his press conference, hit back by insisting 'Judas is still No 1'.
The relationship was broken and Mourinho more than anyone knew that. In the third match of that season, the Portuguese boss pointed passionately to the United badge after beating champions elect Chelsea 2-0 at the end of the season.
Things had built up so much and Mourinho was more than happy to play the villain role among Chelsea fans despite the club playing a major and influential role in his life.
During the following season - in which United lost the FA Cup final to Chelsea 1-0 - there was certainly an atmosphere hanging over from his row with Conte but the abuse appeared to be minimal.
Things in modern football are quickly forgotten and while he may have guided Chelsea into their most successful ever era, Mourinho's relationship with his former side remains fractious.
Eden Hazard - who was accused of betraying Mourinho in 2015 - launched a passionate defence of the manager the other day before revealing he said 'sorry' after he was sacked by Chelsea.
But while their star man may like to join up with Mourinho again, the same can't be said for the majority of Chelsea fans.
With football being so cut-throat now and after happily playing the villain against Chelsea on separate occasions, Mourinho can no longer win over the fans again.
And the Blues faithful will be desperate to get one over him again when he returns to Stamford Bridge on Saturday afternoon in the Premier League - the same can be said for Mourinho.
miyeiklop
0
he was our manager but his heart was always at Manchester, to me he was a traitor ,who we gave our trust
wen did u start watching football u sure sound like a kid
Dakacelz
0
Mourinho came to Chelsea when they already had a champion team, he had an easy job with the players he had at his disposal. He will always take the credit for the success but what happened in the end? Got the sack because he dropped out of the champions league. The success Chelsea had is attributed to past managers not Mourinho.
Manalone24
0
He truly loved Chelsea to the extent of crying for them, yet chelsea fans like the Madrid fans can never appreciate good things. they would do same for Conte if they face him again in the future.
nimcdiptyz
0
Forever loved and respected by true Chelsea fans, he gave them hope and built the foundation for their recent successes #JoseStillSpecial - from a 50something blues fan
midestivah
0
Yes i corrected you in a saying were you said you are never going back to history saying football had evolve now
I said we never wanna go back to the old days, meaning we don't want him to coach the team again and I said he's there in our memory, maybe u should read again
Hibackly
0
I don't think you understand my comment after reading
Yes i corrected you in a saying were you said you are never going back to history saying football had evolve now
midestivah
0
My friend football is history and you cannot write history out of football so as you cannot write mourihno out of Chelsea history wether you like it or not
I don't think you understand my comment after reading
Wacbeiklt
2
Pucknprsty
0
badly
blueblade
1
he was our manager but his heart was always at Manchester, to me he was a traitor ,who we gave our trust
Hibackly
0
we love him for the fact that he was the most successful Chelsea manager, but that's an history, we never want to go back to the old days as things are evolving he's there in our memory but we never want him back to coach the club again after all Chelsea back him up with significant signings that's why he was able to achieved all he's won for us
My friend football is history and you cannot write history out of football so as you cannot write mourihno out of Chelsea history wether you like it or not
Hcjfgdjvjvycc
0
It’s only because he’s been there a long time all other were sacked the following season but Jose is the special one
nipcis
2
I love him any time
ugobobo
1
I don't mean to brag
midestivah
1
we love him for the fact that he was the most successful Chelsea manager, but that's an history, we never want to go back to the old days as things are evolving he's there in our memory but we never want him back to coach the club again after all Chelsea back him up with significant signings that's why he was able to achieved all he's won for us
Yauekrstuy
4
I'm a Chelsea fan. But i still love Mourinho !
psalmson68
5
yes. he has succinctly won trophies nd did d club proud throughout his stay but his departure was unjust through d beefing of some players
Taeckmntuy
0
he is the banderia of Chelsea so we still love him
Elsa98
1
Mission accomplished.
Zowblnopz
0
I hope you guys sold this article by mentioning the name Mourinho
kubacdltuz
0
I'm Chelsea and I did not give up on Mourino...
Ismitty
1
He will remain Chelsea most successful manager ever because he has finally helped Chelsea destroy their hardcore rivals If you know you know 😂🤣
radcdlno
0
mourinho always have a plan b when things turn into worse ....if they don't score in quick succession they will definitely feel the tactical side of Jose
Dinnaloe
0
The game boils down to Manchester United‘ centre halfs and nothing else. Jose Mourinho will have a perfect game plan (which will be more intricate than parking the bus) but what if our defence concedes early again?! That’s what happens...
Dinnaloe
0
The game boils down to Manchester United‘ centre halfs and nothing else. Jose Mourinho will have a perfect game plan (which will be more intricate than parking the bus) but what if our defence concedes early again?! That’s what happens...
Alaindelon
0
He will definitely attack. - The media - The ref - Utd fans - And probably a few of his own players...
herdsman
0
Mourihno was doing revision but the real test is coming
poiul97
0
just a reminder for saturday clash mourinho is red white army let that sink in
lirilIb
0
I can't think far
Jpaul254
1
Welcome home "The Special One". You gave us the winning belief and Chelsea is still building on your influence and success. We true Chelsea fans Love you.
ballstarsee
0
We need someone who cares for the team, loves this club and is able to get 105% from the players.
Derobect
0
Jose and his boring football is the biggest problem for Utd
opportunity
0
If Mourinho won't change he's ending up in stoke
Stephnine
0
I know the press have went too hard on him but he keeps giving them the avenue too. Zlatan can say all he likes it's his opinion and I respect it. But to me it's still JoseOut
Jirkkerr
0
Mourinho is finish There is no hope
Newmannel
0
Always thought it weird how the class of 92 along with fergie have always defended the Glazers, or at least never criticize them. Theyre all more self preserving than theyd have you believe. The destruction of a football superpower by a racehorse, who'd have thought
Lenlife
0
I saw some Chelsea fans earlier that weren't 100% optimistic because they said that Mourinho often pulls out random good results when his back is against the wall
Isblessed
0
Not a fan of the buildup to the Chelsea vs Manutd. All pundits are talking about the situation at Manutd, Mourinho, Pogba etc. Talk about Chelsea is very minimal.