Jose Mourinho responds to rumours of Benfica move

Mourinho’s return to Portugal is a non-starter

Former Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho has responded to the rumours suggesting he could return to Portugal and manage Benfica.

The Portuguese boss was sacked not too long ago following a disappointing season at Manchester United.

The atmosphere around the club was truly toxic and after a 3-1 defeat to Liverpool, he was given his marching order.

He then went somewhat underground as he planned to take time off and see where the next move would come from.

Real Madrid were linked with a move, as were other clubs, but one name stood out recently.

That club is Benfica.

The Portuguese giants have been linked with an ambitious move for Mourinho with the club’s president admitting ‘who would not like to have Mourinho?”

Now, Mourinho, who made his name managing their rivals Porto, has responded.

LONDON, ENGLAND – MARCH 11: Opposing managers Jose Mourinho (R) the manager of Chelsea and Laurent Blanc (L) the head coach of PSG look on during the UEFA Champions League Round of 16, second leg match between Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain at Stamford Bridge on March 11, 2015 in London, England. (Photo by Paul Gilham/Getty Images)

“I don’t really want to go there”

The ex-Man United boss has claimed he doesn’t fancy a move back home just yet.

He even went as far as claiming ‘I have no intention of working in Portugal’, putting an end to any speculation.

“I have never confirmed, nor denied any offers throughout my career,” he explained to CMTV, as quoted by the Mirror. 

“I never got into this game of news feeding.

“I don’t really want to go there, but the best way to respect a great club [Benfica] and a great president is to say that I was not offered.

“If I were, Benfica would be the first to know my decision. But to help end all the speculation on this subject, I will say that at this moment, today, I have no intention of working in Portugal.

“The best thing for Benfica is to support Bruno [Lage] and think about the future calmly. At the moment, I’m fine as I am.”