According to the Manchester Evening News, as JJ Gabriel's departure from Manchester United draws nearer, Mourinho's words are resonating with him. If JJ Gabriel ultimately joins Real Madrid, his development path becomes increasingly clear.
Last September, when 16-year-old rising star JJ Gabriel asked to have his registration with Manchester United cancelled, Old Trafford was shaken.
Europe's top clubs immediately moved in, but Real Madrid have since gained the upper hand. The Manchester Evening News has learned that negotiations to bring the talented forward to the Spanish capital this January are now at an advanced stage, though the move is still subject to FIFA's strict regulations on the transfer of minors.
Although JJ Gabriel will initially gain experience and hone his skills with Real Madrid's Castilla reserve team, Mourinho has a track record of promoting top young talents quickly. The youngster may find himself on the Bernabéu stage sooner than expected, and in the spotlight.
It is understood that the young player is so eager to leave Manchester United because his camp believes the club's standards are no longer on par with those of the European giants who have offered him opportunities. It is reported that JJ Gabriel's exclusion from the club's Champions League squad greatly frustrated his family, and was a significant reason for his determination to seek opportunities elsewhere.
Gaining first-team playing time quickly this season was clearly a core demand for JJ Gabriel. The Manchester Evening News previously reported that the player's representatives had requested that he play at least 20 minutes in total across Manchester United's matches against Sabah, Brighton & Hove Albion, and AFC Bournemouth.
That request was rejected, ultimately leading JJ Gabriel to look for opportunities elsewhere. Real Madrid are known for assembling world-class players rather than nurturing young stars, but Mourinho may be able to give JJ Gabriel confidence. As early as his first press conference as Manchester United manager in 2016, Mourinho emphasized his past record of promoting youth academy players.
The Portuguese coach had previously faced criticism, with outsiders believing he gave very few opportunities to young players during his time at Chelsea, Internazionale, and his first spell at Real Madrid from 2010 to 2013.
Mourinho, as always, was ready to confront his critics, declaring at the time: "I have promoted 49 young players from the academy. If you want to see it, I can give you the list." He then showed the list to those present, adding: "There are two very important factors behind this data, because sometimes you promote youngsters because the team has no one available, or there are widespread injuries, and you have to bring them up.
"The second factor is that when you don't need to fight for major goals, it's much easier to promote youngsters. My teams have always had a very low injury rate. Even UEFA studies have shown that on many occasions my teams had the fewest injuries in Europe."
Mourinho then reflected on the quality of the players he had nurtured and their achievements at the highest level. He added: "Last year was the only season in my coaching career where I didn't fight for a title. Every other season, I either won the title or finished second, only once third, but always in the title race.
"I still promoted 49 academy players, many of whom are now household names. Some are Champions League winners, some are national team members. 49 is not a small number. I emphasize again: some lies, repeated often, sound like the truth, but the facts will never change. Many of you... know these names. If you want, I can give you the list."
Although JJ Gabriel is leaving Manchester United because of a lack of first-team opportunities, Mourinho's words suggest that he is always willing to give any player with ability the chance to prove their worth.