What makes Portsmouth special - in the words of Mourinho, Henry, Sir Alex Ferguson & Co

By Jordan Cross

Pompey writer

Published 24th Dec 2025, 17:00 BST

Updated 24th Dec 2025, 18:20 BST

Pompey, their home and the club’s supporters has made a big impact on some of the biggest names in football over the years.

Then there’s those who were afforded the privilege of playing at PO4 - and giving us memories to forever cherish in the process.

We’ve pulled together the words of those who’ve verbalised what a special football club this remains, in some memorable quotes summing up the fabric of Pompey.

From left to right: Thierry Henry, Jose Mourinho, Robert Prosinecki and Sir Alex Ferguson have all spoken about Pompey over the years.

1. What makes Pompey special

From left to right: Thierry Henry, Jose Mourinho, Robert Prosinecki and Sir Alex Ferguson have all spoken about Pompey over the years. | The News

I have got the communication lines in place, but the only problem is that it's such a noisy place.
It's one of these old stadiums – it's a bit rickety, the stand nowadays. The directors' box is towards the end where all the noise comes from – the drums and whatever the hell they have got going on at that place.
But it's a good racket. It's a terrific football stadium, really.

2. Sir Alex Ferguson

I have got the communication lines in place, but the only problem is that it's such a noisy place. It's one of these old stadiums – it's a bit rickety, the stand nowadays. The directors' box is towards the end where all the noise comes from – the drums and whatever the hell they have got going on at that place. But it's a good racket. It's a terrific football stadium, really. | AFP via Getty Images

No, (Old Trafford) is not Portsmouth. I remember Portsmouth when they were in the Premier League, such a small stadium, the atmosphere was absolutely incredible.
In here the atmosphere is a bit quiet and it is not very, very enthusiastic.

3. Jose Mourinho

No, (Old Trafford) is not Portsmouth. I remember Portsmouth when they were in the Premier League, such a small stadium, the atmosphere was absolutely incredible. In here the atmosphere is a bit quiet and it is not very, very enthusiastic. | Getty Images

I wore the Portsmouth shirt for those special fans. They were singing my name, asking me to give them a wave and all that kind of thing. I've never experienced that in my life. This was an away game and I was from the other team. They really are tremendous

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Ask Patrick (Vieira) and myself to name our favourite Premiership football ground and, for obvious reasons, it will be Highbury.
For me, though, Fratton Park would be right up there as another of my favourite grounds.
Portsmouth is a remarkable place. I know of no other club where, despite 5-1 down in our FA Cup sixth round match two years ago, the home fans would have been supporting their team so vocally. It would happen only in English football.

4. Thierry Henry

I wore the Portsmouth shirt for those special fans. They were singing my name, asking me to give them a wave and all that kind of thing. I've never experienced that in my life. This was an away game and I was from the other team. They really are tremendous ------------- Ask Patrick (Vieira) and myself to name our favourite Premiership football ground and, for obvious reasons, it will be Highbury. For me, though, Fratton Park would be right up there as another of my favourite grounds. Portsmouth is a remarkable place. I know of no other club where, despite 5-1 down in our FA Cup sixth round match two years ago, the home fans would have been supporting their team so vocally. It would happen only in English football. Photo: Matthew Ashton

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