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Davide Santon of Newcastle United lies injured during the Barclays Premier League match between Newcastle United and Fulham at St James’ Park on April 7, 2013 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Chris Brunskill/Getty Images)
Jose Mourinho has termed the current situation with Newcastle’s Davide Santon as unfortunate.
Many view the policy of Mourinho towards youngsters as being non progressive, and that they do not get enough opportunities under him. But citing the example of Davide Santon, Mourinho said that he had backed the player and given him the initial breaks.
Mourihno in an interview reported by the Express said, “Whenever I find someone who has everything to become a top player and stay in the first team I’ve never held back in giving them a chance.
“I’m talking about Davide Santon who is now at Newcastle.
“Santon has suffered two great misfortunes.
“However, at 17-years-old everybody was saying that he would become for Inter what Paolo Maldini was for AC Milan.”
It was Mourinho who had given Santon his debut game for Inter Milan at the age of 18. He had praised the player’s maturity and level of tactical play. He went on to start 13 games for the club, until some serious knee injuries had put him out of action. He was subsequently loaned to Chesna, before he made the permanent move to Newcastle in 2011.
Mourinho has been questioned for his backing of John Terry, Ashley Cole and Frank Lampard, at the detriment of the many youngsters who are part of the Chelsea set-up.
But citing the example of Davide Santon, Mourinho believes that the youngster had the potential to be a star under him had it not been for the multitude of injuries.
