Under-fire Mourinho rules out return to Real Madrid
JOSE Mourinho dismissed talk of a return to Real Madrid as the Manchester United manager spoke about staying at Old Trafford beyond his contract.
Talk that the 55-year-old could be pushed out by United has been followed by reports of a return to the Spanish capital.
There could soon be a vacancy at the Bernabeu after a poor start under new boss Julen Lopetegui, leading to talk that Mourinho could return to the club he managed between 2010 and 2013.
But despite recent ups and downs at Old Trafford, the Portuguese insists such a move does not appeal. Instead, Mourinho is plotting a long-term future at United, where his contract runs until 2020 with the option of a further year.
“No, I am happy here,” he said. “I am happy here.
“I am happy to see out my contract to the very last day of that contract and I would like to stay after my contract runs out as well.
“All I am thinking about is Manchester United.”
The topic arose in the press conference previewing tonight’s mouth-watering Champions League encounter with Juventus, which brings around a reunion with Cristiano Ronaldo.
“I thought Cristiano is in a level where he doesn’t need these questions and these answers,” Mourinho said when asked how he rated Ronaldo compared to everyone he has worked with.
“He is one of the best players of all time and nobody can tell different than that.
“He’s one of the best players of all time. It’s as simple as that.”