:Lisbon: Inter Milan coach Jose Mourinho was awarded an honorary doctorate on Monday from Lisbon's Technical University, where he graduated in physical education and sport more than 20 years ago.
"I'm not sure I deserve this accolade," Mourinho said. "I'm surprised by it. I'm probably a source of pride for the faculty, but I've pursued my career without thinking about such things."
Wearing a gray suit but no tie, the 46-year-old Mourinho was wrapped in a dark gown and a ribbon with a medallion was placed around his neck during a formal ceremony.
The university said the tribute was in recognition of his professional success.
Mourinho led FC Porto to the 2003 UEFA Cup and 2004 Champions League trophies before moving to Chelsea and winning back-to-back Premier League titles in 2004-05 and 2005-06.
However, some faculty members opposed the award, saying Mourinho hadn't achieved enough to merit such a high distinction.
Mourinho first drew attention when he was a translator for former England coach Bobby Robson at Sporting Lisbon and Porto between 1992-96. He then moved with Robson to Barcelona.
Mourinho coached Barcelona's reserve team before taking over at Benfica, but that ended after just nine games due to a dispute over a contract extension. After a short spell at Uniao de Leiria, Mourinho joined Porto in 2002.
The British media nicknamed Mourinho as the 'Special One' after he took over at Chelsea in 2004 and told a news conference in London that "I think I'm a special one."
Mourinho has previously said that one day he would like to coach Portugal.
"Another 15 years abroad and then I'd like to come back and coach the national team," he said. "The national team doesn't train every day nor play every week. It's not a job that excites me as much as coaching at a club."
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