Jose Mourinho says he will miss his assistant manager at Manchester United, Rui Faria, after it was confirmed the Arsenal linked coach is to depart Old Trafford.
Faria has been mooted as a possible contender to succeed Arsene Wenger at the Emirates Stadium and he will leave Manchester United at the end of the season.
The coach has worked alongside Mourinho for 17 years and the Manchester United boss insists he will miss his friend.
However, Mourinho insists that Faria's happiness is the most important thing and he cannot help but respect his decision.
"17 years… in Leiria, Porto, London, Milan, Madrid, London again and Manchester. Training, playing, travelling, studying, laughing and also a few tears of happiness", Mourinho told the club's official site.
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"17 years and the kid is now a man. The intelligent student is now a football expert, ready for a successful career as a manager.
"I will miss my friend and that is the hardest thing for me, but his happiness is more important and, of course, I respect his decision, especially because I know that we will always be together. Be happy, brother!"
Faria says that he is to take time to spend with his family before he considers taking up a new challenge in the game, in words which may suggest he is not set for Arsenal.
The Portuguese explained: "My heartfelt thanks go to the manager, Jose Mourinho, for the belief he had in me, all those years ago, when it all was just a student dream. I would like to thank him for the opportunity and confidence, for the knowledge and experience, but most importantly for his friendship.
"I would also like to thank Manchester United and all the clubs where I have had the privilege of working during this period. I would like to say a big ‘thank you’ to all the staff and players who, in different ways, have made an important contribution to my growth as a person and as a professional.
"I wish you all the best for the future, knowing that you will always be my close friends."
Faria will want his time at Manchester United to end in success and the Red Devils can deliver for Mourinho's assistant by winning the FA Cup.
