CUSTOMERS at a fast food restaurant in Essex were left stunned this week when one of football's most famous personalities walked through the door and placed his order.

CUSTOMERS at a fast food restaurant in Essex were left stunned this week when one of football's most famous personalities walked through the door and placed his order.

Self-styled “Special One” Jose Mourinho, manager of two-time Premiership champions Chelsea FC, stopped off for some burgers with his family at Mcdonald's in Weeley, near Colchester, on Wednesday evening.

Sean Hillier, 25, a Clacton Town player and full-time coach for Colchester United's Community Trust scheme, got some photos with the Portuguese icon and said the moment left him “gobsmacked”.

He said: “I was coaching in Colchester until 8pm and I stopped off at Mcdonald's on the way home to get something for me and the missus.

“I saw this young family and I thought 'I recognise that face'.”

He said when he realised who it was he began to get excited.

Mr Hillier added: “I was shell-shocked. I waited for him to get off the phone - then I went up to him. He said he was just with his daughters and getting them something to eat.

“I didn't really know what to say so I said 'do you mind taking a photo?'”.

Mr Hillier, who lives in Clacton with his fiancé Jennifer and nine-month old son Joseph, said he was trying not be nosy so didn't ask him what had brought him to the area.

One possibility is that Mourinho was checking out some of the desirable countryside properties.

He may be planning a move to nearby Wix - if he did he could find himself as a new neighbour of Hollywood star Clive Owen, who has a home in the area.

Or perhaps he was on a scouting mission, checking out some of Colchester United's players who have performed so impressively in their first season in the Championship during the last seven months.

Alternatively, Mourinho and his children could have simply been on their way back to London after spending a day building sandcastles in Walton or Frinton.

The previous evening, the Carling Cup winners had beaten Mourinho's countrymen Porto in the Champions' League after a tense second leg match at their Stamford Bridge ground in London.

Mr Hillier added: “He was as nice as pie. He looked as moody as usual, but he seemed happy to pose for me.

“The people behind the counter did recognise him, but it wasn't very busy at the time.

“I just couldn't believe it. It was great to meet him - even though I'm a Liverpool fan, although I did keep that quiet!”

A spokeswoman for the chain said: “It's nice to see “The Special One” choosing McDonald's for a family treat.

At McDonald's we pride ourselves on being a restaurant that families can visit together to enjoy our tasty food in a safe and fun environment.”

No-one from Chelsea FC was available for comment last night - so the reason for the star manager's trip to the area looks set to remain a mystery.