Published: 15:21 EDT, 29 October 2024 | Updated: 15:21 EDT, 29 October 2024
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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
'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
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.'