John Terry reveals Mourinho tactical instruction to collect yellow cards

Former Chelsea defender John Terry has revealed that manager Jose Mourinho once instructed him to deliberately collect yellow cards to serve a suspension. The tactical maneuver was intended to ensure Terry would miss an FA Cup match against Walsall, thereby making him available for a high-profile Premier League fixture against Manchester United.

Terry recounted that after receiving two bookings, Mourinho directed him to pick up additional cards over the following three league matches. Terry successfully executed the plan by collecting bookings in two games and then intentionally delaying a throw-in during the third match to draw a yellow card for time-wasting. Following the successful implementation of the strategy, Mourinho reportedly rewarded Terry with a four-day trip to Dubai.