• Premier League

Mourinho: Never interested in United job

ESPN staff
June 16, 2013
Jose Mourinho was a contender to take over at Old Trafford © PA Photos
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Jose Mourinho has said he never contemplated succceeding Sir Alex Ferguson as Manchester United boss, insisting he would have "turned down every job in the world" in favour of a return to Chelsea.

Mourinho was a contender to take over at Old Trafford prior to the announcement of David Moyes as United's new boss, but the Portuguese manager opted for a return to Stamford Bridge instead.

Despite his rivalry with Ferguson during his first spell at Chelsea, Mourinho revealed he has a close relationship with the 71-year-old, with the two sharing the details of their future well before it was publicised.

"I knew that Ferguson was retiring many months ago, and I am so happy with his trust because it was big news for the world - I can imagine that just a very small circle around him knew that, and it was a big responsibility for me to know that," Mourinho is quoted in as saying in the Sun.

"Why do I know that? Because we are friends, so if I am his friend to know that he is going to retire, he is also my friend to know that the club I want to coach in England is Chelsea. Of course I told him I want to come to Chelsea.

"I would have turned down every job in the world, the Manchester United job, everyone, for Chelsea."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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