Mourinho vows to defend flawless European finals record: 'I am better now,' as Roma faces Sevilla

The 60-year-old coaching icon has never lost a European final in his career, five wins from five over two decades making him the first manager to reach a UEFA final with four different clubs.

Mourinho announced himself on the big stage in 2003 when he led Porto to the UEFA Cup, the Europa League's precursor, and the following year he claimed the first of two Champions League triumphs.

And 20 years on he is ready to take his tally of European trophies to six at Roma, who tasted success in last year's Europa Conference League. 

The Italian capital has become a happy home for a coach whose time had looked to be over following his unfulfilling time at Tottenham Hotspur.

"Better coach, better person, same DNA. The DNA is motivation, is happiness. Desire for these big moments, and these are the feelings that I try to pass to the boys," Mourinho told reporters on Thursday.

"I think you can be better and better with your experiences... I think your brain becomes sharper and the accumulation of knowledge is better with the years.

"I think you stop when you lose motivation, my motivation grows up every day... I think I am better now."

Mourinho has become a bona fide hero to Roma fans after winning their team's first ever major European honour last season, a triumph which moved the Portuguese veteran to tears.

A deep emotional connection has developed between coach and the supporters -- who had waited since 2008 to see their team lift a trophy.

It was reminiscent of his passionate, short-lived love affair with Inter Milan where in his pomp 13 years ago he won the treble of Serie A, Champions League and Italian Cup.

"It's because I give everything... People aren't stupid. In the Roma case I think it is above winning or European finals. I