EXCLUSIVE | Lincoln Henrique: 'Jose Mourinho didn't talk to me!'

Lincoln Henrique, who can play in midfield, on the left wing and at left-back, was the wild card for Fenerbahçe under Jorge Jesus. However, after the Portuguese coach left the team, the Brazilian lost his jersey in a way that he would never get it back. Lincoln Henrique, who was loaned first to Bragantino and then to Hull City, completely severed his ties with Fenerbahçe in the summer of 2025 and returned to Portugal to sign for FC Alverca, a mid-table club.

'Jorge Jesus called me directly'

The Brazilian had some striking words in an interview with Fanatik. First of all, when asked about his transfer to Fenerbahce, Lincoln said: "I was called directly by Jorge Jesus. It was a pleasure to work with him and I was happy with his decision to go to Fenerbahce."

'Jorge Jesus taught me to look at football in a different way'

Underlining that he has a very good relationship with Jorge Jesus, Lincoln continued his words as follows Jorge Jesus is without a doubt the best manager I have ever worked with. He taught me to look at football in a different way. He is a man of character and always speaks directly to the players' faces. He is involved 24 hours a day in football and it is no coincidence that he is a champion wherever he goes. I always wish him all the success in the world."

'I was treated unfairly and disrespectfully at Fenerbahce'

Lincoln was constantly sent on loan to other clubs after Jorge Jesus left. The Brazilian left foot describes those times in the following words: "I was treated unfairly and with disrespect. I gave my best in many games, even playing out of position to help the club and the team. I had a complicated injury and I expected support and appreciation but I didn't get it. I'm not a famous player like others, but I always gave my best on the pitch and I loved wearing this shirt. When I came back, I think there was a lack of respect in terms of opportunities. I was very good and I showed that with 1 goal and 1 assist against Adana Demirspor."

The Brazilian midfielder, who was not given a chance by Ismail Kartal and Jose Mourinho, claimed that there was an 'ego' explosion at Samandıra after Jesus. "I didn't have much contact with Ismail Kartal and Jose Mourinho. After Jorge Jesus left, I think there was a huge ego at Samandıra. Both Ismail Kartal and Jose Mourinho wanted to bring in players they trusted and in the end they didn't keep any player from the Jorge Jesus era. They didn't want me, Willian Arao, Joao Pedro, Luan Peres," he said.

'Jose Mourinho didn't want to talk to me'

Meanwhile, the Brazilian was furious with Jose Mourinho. Lincoln Henrique had this to say about Special One: "Jose Mourinho surprised me. I spoke to him before I left for Hull City and he said he wanted to see me at the pre-season camp in Portugal. I finished the season at Hull City and waited to be called for the pre-season preparations in Portugal. I called the interpreter to talk to Mourinho but he didn't want to talk to me.

'The team was in Portugal, I'm in Portugal. He sent me to Istanbul to train with Zajc!'

He told me to tell the sporting director everything I wanted to say. The team was in Portugal and I was at home in Portugal, but he still sent me back to Istanbul to train separately with Miha Zajc.

'He broke his word with me, character is more important than titles'

He was a man of broken promises to me, he didn't keep his word. He is a coach who won many titles, nobody can deny that. What I can say for me is that he showed a lack of character towards me. In life, character is more important than titles, especially for me."

It will be remembered that Rade Krunic had said in recent weeks that Fenerbahce were run in an 'amateurish' manner. Lincoln was reminded of these remarks and the Brazilian said: "Everyone has their own way of thinking and that must be respected. Thank God, I didn't have any problems at the club."

'The most special thing for me was wearing the Fenerbahçe jersey'

Lincoln said that the two goals he scored in the UEFA Europa League were 'unforgettable' for him and when asked about the players he gets along best with in the yellow-lacivertli team, he named Willian Arao and Enner Valencia. The Brazilian also underlined that he has good relations with everyone in the team. "The most special thing for me was always wearing the Fenerbahçe jersey and I learned to love this club very much," Lincoln added.

'Ali Koç was always a man of character'

"He was always a man of character towards me and always showed the desire to be a winning president. I wish I could have contributed more and helped make him one of the most successful presidents in the club's history. But things don't always go the way we want. I wish him and his family all the best."

'Acun Ilıcalı helped me, I wish him success for the rest of the season'

About his former club Hull City and Acun Ilıcalı, Lincoln said: "Before I went to Hull City I spoke to Acun Ilıcalı and he helped me and gave me the confidence to move to such a competitive league. I support this club that embraces me and I wish President Acun continued success for the rest of the season."

'Istanbul is my second home'

"Signing with FC Alverca surprised everyone. What was the reason for this choice? How do you feel there?", Lincoln said: "I am happy. It is a special challenge and I have always liked challenges. The birth of my son was an important factor in my decision. I have no regrets, I am really enjoying it." Lastly, Lincoln stated that he misses Istanbul and said: "Istanbul is my second home. I hope one day to return to this city and to these wonderful people who live with football."