Mourinho shouts the Heineken Champions League from the rooftops – and he’ll be watching on TV too

The UEFA Champions League kicks off tonight and who better to blow sponsor Heineken’s trumpet than two-time winner (With Porto and Juventus) Jose Mourinho, currently ensconced at Manchester United.

Only problem being, of course, that Man U aren’t in it this season. Mind you, that’s why he got the job.

Undeterred, here he is in best rabble-rousing form in this year’s launch campaign, ‘Prep Talk,’ from Publicis Italia, directed by Guy Ritchie.

Well they had to get him didn’t they? Can’t imagine Arsene Wenger and or Pep Guardiola fronting up like this.

Heineken’s Gianluca Di Tondo says: “Preparing for UEFA Champions League match night makes the experience even better. With a little bit of thought and effort, fans and their friends will have a greater experience. But sometimes a little inspiration is needed, and who better to motivate them to ‘Champion the Match’ than Jose Mourinho.”

Mourinho says: “Heineken has been on the touchline with me through my whole UEFA Champions League career. I like what the brand stands for especially its stance on responsible drinking. Filming the Prep Talk was a new, and very enjoyable, experience. Guy Ritchie is a great coach, and definitely got the best out of me.”

The campaign will launch in over 90 countries and run throughout the 2016/17 season.

All hyperbolic nonsense but achieved with a certain elan.

MAA creative scale: 7.

PS In the UK the Champions League is only on BT Sport. Sky may live to regret this, especially if an English side does unexpectedly well.