Jose Mourinho fired a cheeky dig at ex-Chelsea defender Kurt Zouma following the shocking cat abuse incident.
The Fenerbahce boss has never shied away from controversy.
In a recent interview with former Chelsea star John Obi Mikel, the conversation turned to the topic of pets – specifically, whether he prefers dogs or cats.
“Dogs. But I don’t have any issues with cats. I’m not Kurt Zouma,” Mourinho said laughing.
The light-hearted remark referenced a distressing video that made waves on social media back in 2022, where Zouma was seen kicking his pet cat, throwing shoes at it, and even slapping its head.
This horrific act was shared by his brother Yoan on Snapchat, causing huge outrage.
After an investigation, Zouma came forward, admitting to violating the Animal Welfare Act, and in May 2022 he faced legal repercussions.
The court handed him 180 hours of community service and enforced a five-year ban on owning cats.
In addition to legal sanctions, Zouma incurred a hefty fine of two weeks’ wages from West Ham United – the maximum penalty the club could impose.
The fallout included losing a sponsorship deal with Adidas and the RSPCA taking custody of his two cats.
At the time, Zouma said: “I also want to say how deeply sorry I am to anyone who was upset by the video. I would like to assure everyone that our two cats are perfectly fine and healthy.
“They are loved and cherished by our entire family, and this behaviour was an isolated incident that will not happen again.”
A statement from West Ham said: “West Ham United unreservedly condemns the actions of our player, Kurt Zouma, in the video that has circulated.
“We have spoken to Kurt and will be dealing with the matter internally, but we would like to make it clear that we in no way condone cruelty towards animals.”
During the hearing, District Judge Susan Holdham condemned the act, stating: “Both of you took part in this disgraceful and reprehensible act with this pet cat. The cat looked up to you to care for its needs.
“On that date in February, you did not provide for its needs. You must be aware that others look up to you and many young people aspire to emulate you.”
Mourinho, who signed Zouma for Chelsea from Saint-Etienne back in 2014, has had his share of eyebrow-raising encounters with the defender.
Zouma once recounted a particularly blunt exchange that left a lasting impression.
“I cannot remember which match we were playing; we were losing 3-1, away from home,” Zouma told RMC Sport.
“The following day, he [Mourinho] catches up with me, takes me to his office, and asks me if I am okay. I said yes, and he asked me if I was sure. I said yes again, and he replied, ‘Because you were rubbish this weekend.’
“Like that, direct. It shocked me, but it made me want to immediately respond on the pitch. I remember that it hurt me and that it affected me. But I really wanted to show him that I could react.”
Mourinho now has his sights set on guiding Fenerbahce into the Europa League round of 16, hoping for victory against Anderlecht on Thursday in Belgium.
