Mourinho offers Vilanova his well wishes after gland surgery

Three months ago, Jose Mourinho launched a sneak attack on Barcelona assistant Tito Vilanova's eyeball during the Spanish Supercopa brawl that was caught on camera and served as further evidence that matches between Real Madrid and Barcelona have devolved into a surreal hodgepodge of ruthlessness. But now, in the spirit of the holiday season, Mourinho proves that he's not holding onto this grudge. At least, not publicly.

On Tuesday, Vilanova underwent successful salivary gland surgery that will require three to four weeks recovery time. And Mourinho expressed his support for him, just as Real Madrid did when Barca defender Eric Abidal went through his liver surgery last year.

From the AP:

"Last year we showed solidarity through our concern over Abidal, so obviously we will do the same with Tito Vilanova," Mourinho said after Madrid routed Dinamo Zagreb 6-2 in the Champions League. "We hope he returns to his family and Barcelona quickly and that he is on the bench in perfect health (for the clasico) on Dec. 10."

Because sneaking up and poking a sick guy in the eye would just be an ugly thing to do. As everyone knows, bitter rivalries require all parties to be in good health so the squabbles over a game can be properly taken too serious.