“I am very proud because an event as incredible as the Web Summit is being held in my country. As a Portuguese, especially as a Portuguese living abroad, I am used to being very proud of Portugal, but knows this is much more than that. Thank you very much for giving me this award, which I obviously accept”, said José Mourtinho.

“The greatest gift is not the trophies, but the inspiration given to a generation of young people, showing that it is possible to achieve everything with work, dedication and faith in themselves”, said António Costa, in a message that preceded the conversation between José Mourinho and Andrew Hill, editor of the daily Financial Times.

“Portugal is s country with the most successful coaches in football. This year we rewarded José Mourinho, the boy from Setúbal and a football lover, who became one of the most innovative and talented coaches in the history of the game”, said António Costa, remembering the 25 titles won by the ‘Special One’ in 20 years of his career.

The innovation award, won last year by former striker Ronaldo Nazário, world champion in Brazil in 2001, recognises “people and organisations that have successfully incorporated technology in the pursuit of excellence”.

The Web Summit is considered one of the biggest technological summits in the world and this year took place completely online, with “an estimated audience of 100,000” people, after having started to be held in Lisbon four years ago.