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Watch: Jose Mourinho Speaks Passionately About the Munich Air Disaster Anniversary

Watch: Jose Mourinho Speaks Passionately About the Munich Air Disaster Anniversary

23 passengers lost their lives and the United boss paid tribute.

Josh Lawless

Josh Lawless

Jose Mourinho believes commemorating the anniversary of the Munich air disaster has become part of football culture and gives Manchester United the opportunity to show their respects.

This week marks the 60th anniversary of the tragedy, when British European Airways Flight 609 crashed on its third attempt to take off from a slush-covered runway at Munich-Riem Airport.

Credit: Mike Hall / ITV

Of the 44 passengers - which included Man United players, supporters and journalists - 23 people lost their lives.

The crash not only derailed the club's ambitions but also virtually destroyed the nucleus of one of the most promising generations of players in English football history, the Busby Babes.

Images: PA
Images: PA

And Mourinho believes the anniversary of the disaster gives everyone the chance to show respect to the victims, their families and for the club itself which went through the trauma:

"I was telling before to MUTV that this is something that is part of my life, or part of my football culture, before I become Manchester United manager," he is quoted as saying by the Manchester Evening News in his pre-match presser.

"And why? Because was such a tragedy that stayed in these last 60 years.

"So as Manchester United manager, obviously means much more but I think it belongs to every sportsman as one of the biggest tragedies and at the same time is a crucial point in Manchester United history, the reaction, the strength, the union after that situation.

"And I think tomorrow is an amazing day to show the respect, to show the passion for the club, respect for them, the families and I think is a day to play well, is a day to bring happiness, to bring joy for people to be together, enjoying their colours and at the same time with showing all the respect for the people and the families."

A minute's silence will be held prior to kick-off on Saturday, with United hosting Huddersfield at Old Trafford, while a memorial service will take place on February 6.

This story was first featured on talkingbaws.com - simple, shareable sport. Like them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter.

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Topics: Football News, Jose Mourinho, Football, Manchester United, Premier League, Man United