- Jose Mourinho has admitted that he would love to manage in England again
- He previously worked for Man United and Spurs, as well as two spells at Chelsea
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Former Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur manager Jose Mourinho has admitted that he wishes to work in England again before he retires.
The 61-year-old is currently in charge of Fenerbahce in Turkey and his team played out a 1-1 draw with former club United in the UEFA Europa League last week.
Mourinho was sent to the stands in the second half of that match after being shown a red card for his reaction to Fenerbahce unsuccessfully appealing for a penalty kick.
Speaking in a post-game press conference, Mourinho reacted to his dismissal by suggesting that he might like his next job to be with an English club that does not play in a UEFA competition – so that he can swerve UEFA officials.
However, in an interview with Sky Sports on Tuesday, Mourinho clarified: ‘I made a joke. I’m never going to a team fighting relegation. I will never go.’
Fenerbahce manager Jose Mourinho pictured at a press conference after his side drew 1-1 with Manchester United in the UEFA Europa League last week
Mourinho spoke to Sky Sports this week and discussed a possible future return to England
Explaining why he had said that he would like to manage an English team ‘from the bottom of the table’, Mourinho added: ‘I get upset, and I’m not in the period of my career to get upset. I’m in the period of my career to be happy all the time and at this moment playing in European competitions, I am getting upset all the time.
‘But I’m not going to fight relegation. It’s too hard! Honestly, I believe that has to be the hardest thing. It’s more difficult than playing for titles. It has to be very hard emotionally, because it’s something that changes lives. I think it’s brave guys that do it.’
Mourinho then cracked another joke as he told Sky Sports reporter Gary Cotterill: ‘Millwall. Millwall. I just cross the bridge from my house. Millwall!’
Millwall’s New Den stadium may be geographically close to Mourinho’s London home, but the Lions are far below his usual level in terms of stature – having never competed in the Premier League.
Mourinho joked that Millwall could be the perfect club for him to manage after Fenerbahce
Millwall’s New Den stadium is within walking distance of a home Mourinho owns in London
But while a move to Millwall is not seriously on the cards, Mourinho made it clear that he would love to return to England before his managerial career is over.
He concluded: ‘I had three clubs in England, so four different periods I’ve coached in England, and I love it. And by the social point of view, I’ve been lucky enough to live in so many cities, but my family lives in London.
‘London is home, so one day I have to be back, unless no one wants me. But one day I would like to go back.
‘But don’t get me wrong, and let’s make it very very clear, for the next two years, this season and next, no one will take me from Fenerbahce.’