With rumours of him penning a deal with Manchester United reaching fever pitch last month, Jose Mourinho is clearly a wanted man. The Portuguese affirmed as much with his recent comments while also ruling out a return to former club Inter Milan, categorically stating that Roberto Mancini is the man for the Nerazzurri job.
In an interview with La Stampa, Mourinho reiterated his stance, saying “One thing I want to clarify, I will not be in charge next season. Inter have a project and that is Erick Thohir and Roberto Mancini. Their ideas have my full support and my hope is that the project of the coach and the president continues with great success.”
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The 53-year-old, who was sacked by Chelsea on December 17th, has been linked to a number of high-profile jobs since, and revealed that he’s not the one to seek out new employers, with the opposite being true, saying “Right now I have respect for every coach at every club. I’m not looking for a club, but there are clubs that are looking for me.”
“My next club? I really do not know, but one thing is certain – I love football and I will return with the same passion and ambition I’ve always had.”
Mourinho clarifies presence in Milan
Mourinho was recently spotted in Milan, thus sparking off rumours of a return to Inter, but the Portuguese manager shot down those rumours, as he was only in town to meet former Inter owner Massimo Moratti, saying “I'll be in Milan for one day – I am grateful to my president Massimo Moratti, who I want to personally thank.”
“I left Inter in 2010 and since then I have worked hard at Real Madrid and Chelsea, so it has been hard to find the time to have lunch with the Moratti family. We agreed to see each other a couple of weeks ago. After being together for lunch, we will go to San Siro, bringing with us the spirit of Inter, with the hope and happiness to see Inter win. It will be very emotional for me – San Siro, the Inter fans.”
While Inter Milan have experienced a recent slump, leading to rumours that Mancini’s position is in danger, it does not compare with that of Louis van Gaal, as the Dutchman faces renewed calls for him to be sacked by the Manchester United hierarchy, with Mourinho said to be in the fray.
Clearly, the Portuguese is a wanted man.
