Benni McCarthy has opened up about one of the biggest regrets of his
career—turning down the chance to reunite with José Mourinho at Chelsea out
of loyalty to his long-time agent, Rob Moore.
In an exclusive interview with PSLSA, the former striker admitted that the
“what if” still haunts him, even after a career filled with success at the
highest level.
“Yeah, yeah, of course, because sometimes you think, was being too loyal
worth it for all this?” McCarthy said.
Mourinho, who previously coached McCarthy at FC Porto, reportedly made
several attempts to bring the striker to Chelsea during his time in England.
The move would have offered McCarthy the chance to play alongside the likes
of Didier Drogba and compete for Premier League titles.
McCarthy acknowledged that the opportunity to join one of Europe’s elite
clubs was within reach, but he ultimately passed it up out of loyalty to
agent Mike Makaab.
“Sometimes I just sit down, and you think to yourself, yes, maybe I was too
loyal to my agent, because if I had put myself probably first, just this one
time, I would have played for Chelsea,” he admitted.
Despite the lingering regret, McCarthy insisted he does not regret the
values that guided his decision.
“When you’ve been with someone your whole life, I think loyalty and respect
overrule everything. I don’t forget what they did for me; they don’t forget
what I did for them.”
The former Bafana Bafana striker believes staying true to his principles
ultimately defined him, even if it came at the cost of a dream move.
“My principles go a long way, it says who you are. My word is my bond, and
if you don’t have that, then everything goes,” he said.
McCarthy conceded that while missing out on a Premier League title remains a
significant regret, the lesson in loyalty is something he carries with
pride.
“You will never, ever get rid of that regret… maybe I could have been
disloyal just that one time, because that was my biggest dream,” he added.
“But there’s nothing that beats being loyal and respectful to the people
that helped you get to where you are.”
