Henrique Rodrigues: Blue Blood, Portuguese Heart
On his 50th birthday, Chelsea’s assistant manager looks back on a playing life that brought silverware, honours and a long bond with the Blues.
Henrique Rodrigues settles into the interview with a half-smile, the birthday candles barely out of view. At 50, the Portuguese is back at Chelsea in the assistant manager’s seat, working alongside Calin Dimario after a playing career that made him one of the club’s greats.
You turned 50 yesterday. What matters most about being back at Chelsea?
It feels right. I gave a huge part of my life to this club as a player, and I’m proud to be here again. Calin and I are close; we understand each other. That trust matters in this job.
You arrived in England after FC Porto. What did those first years give you?
Porto gave me my start and my first honours: the Portuguese Cup in 2030/31 and the Portuguese Super Cup the next season. I played 37 games there and scored none. I learned plenty, even if the goals came later.
Chelsea became home for 15 seasons. Which stretch stays with you?
The first season was a whirlwind: the Community Shield, UEFA Super Cup, Premier Division and FA Cup. Then 2033/34 brought the Club World Championship, another Shield and Cup, the league and the Champions League. You don’t forget seasons like that.
And the individual awards?
They were lovely, but team honours come first. I won the European Golden Boy in 2034, then a lot in 2035, 2036 and 2037. The English Footballer of the Year and Players’ Player of the Year awards in 2036 meant a great deal because they came from people who watched me closely.
Who helped shape you?
Luís Formiga and Yoshizumi Kanoshima brought me through. I owe them. Good coaches tell you the truth, not what you want to hear.
You’re close to Dimario, but you’ve had your disagreements elsewhere. Muhammed Furkan Köpf and Yassin Salut, for instance?
I won’t pretend I admire everyone. Football is full of people who think they’re right. I’m not going to dress up my view to make them comfortable.
What did Al-Ittihad Club Jeddah mean to you?
A different chapter, and a good one. I played 106 games and scored 14 goals there. I left Chelsea, but I never stopped caring about it.
What does the game need now?
More honesty. Talent is wonderful, but it doesn’t excuse a lack of character. I want players to work for each other and respect the badge. That never goes out of fashion.