Sacked Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho labelled ‘an amazing human being’ by Jermain Defoe as he reveals touching Bradley Lowery story

The former United manager phoned Defoe shortly after young Sunderland fan Bradley Lowery died to check on his family as well as the former England striker

Jermain Defoe has labelled Jose Mourinho “an amazing human being” after expressing his surprise at his Manchester United dismissal, with the former England striker revealing a touching conversation that took place in the days after Bradley Lowery died.

Defoe became close friends with the late six-year-old Sunderland fan who sadly died in July 2017 after a long battle with neuroblastoma, which led to an outpouring of support within the football community.

Lowery’s brave attitude to battling the illness, which is a rare form of cancer, and warm smile that was seen at games across the Premier League as well as with England, helped to raise awareness of neuroblastoma as well as raise funds for his treatment and the Bradley Lowery Foundation that has been set up by his family in his honour.

But following the news that Mourinho had been sacked as United manager on Tuesday, Defoe revealed a touching story about the Portuguese that had not been made public before.

"Not many people know this,” Defoe told Sky Sports. “I remember going through my stuff with Bradley and he (Jose) called me out of the blue.

"He said 'how are you? How's Bradley's family?' I was quite taken aback and really surprised me.

"Away from football, he's an amazing human being. I wish him well for the future."

Within 24 hours, United have sacked Mourinho after two-and-a-half years at the helm and appointed former striker and reserve team coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as his interim replacement until the end of the season, given that he is on loan from Norwegian club Molde.

Mourinho paid the price for the divisions that emerged within the United squad as well as their poor performances and bad results this season, which leaves Solskjaer to pick up a side sixth in the Premier League table and 19 points behind leaders Liverpool.

Bradley Lowery formed a special bond with ex-Sunderland striker Defoe (Getty Images)

But despite their struggles and the growing pressure this term in what has again proven a third-season sacking for Mourinho, Bournemouth striker Defoe was still shocked that United had made the decision.

"If I'm totally honest, I've been a little bit surprised with some of the negativity that's surrounded his name. Not just now but for the whole season, and maybe even last season,” Defoe added.

"I'm one of those people - and it doesn't matter what sport it is - I always appreciate greatness. I think he's one of the greats.

"He's a legend and at the end of the day, some things just don't work out. As players, you go to clubs and it just doesn't work out.

Defoe received a touching phone call from Mourinho after Lowery passed away (Getty)

"Looking forward, maybe he'll take a break and we'll see what happens. But I'm sure he won't be short of options."