Even in his absence, Mourinho casts shadow over Calcio Oscars

The Italian players' association held its annual Oscar del Calcio award gala on Monday night and though Jose Mourinho could not attend, his giant visage still appeared, leaving the puny humans on the stage in the dark.

Mourinho revealed his inevitable win for best coach for the second straight year with a spoiler during a Real Madrid press conference on Sunday. Said Jose in his pre-recorded acceptance proclamation (via Reuters):

"I'm sorry for not being there but (Wednesday's) cupsemi-final with Sevilla stopped me from coming," Mourinho said.

"To receive the Oscar is great because for me to haverespect is important... also from my opponents. Serie A is toughand I see that now I am away."

When he was still in Serie A, however, he obviously found it to be incredibly easy and laughed in the faces of the sacrificial lambs that were presented to him in lieu of worthy opposition.

Meanwhile, Diego Milito won the Foreign Player of the Year and Player of the Year awards after being snubbed from the Ballon d'Or shortlist. He had a young Sylvester Stallone accept his awards on his behalf...

"If I can change, and you can change, everybody can change!!!"

Photos: AP