Jose Mourinho has called
for the intense speculation over his future to end as he is keen to
continue his 'historic' work with Chelsea.
After steering his side into the UEFA Champions League semi-finals
on Tuesday night, Mourinho appeared to reignite talk of a possible
exit by admitting he could be forced to find alternative employment
come the end of the season.
The Portuguese boss has seen his relationship with owner Roman
Abramovich come under close scrutiny this season and he was openly
frustrated with the club's stance during the January transfer
window.
Barcelona, Real Madrid and Internazionale have all been suggested
as possible destinations for the self-styled 'Special One', with a
move to the Bernabeu as Fabio Capello's replacement seeming the
most likely scenario at present.
However, Mourinho - who is still hunting an unprecedented quadruple
this season - has now attempted to curb talk of a move to Spain by
underlining his desire to remain at Stamford Bridge.
"I don't want my name linked with Madrid or with any other club
because I want to stay with Chelsea," Mourinho told the
newspaper.
"I've got a contract until 2010 and I want to carry on."
Mourinho went on to add that if he did leave Chelsea, he would be
keen to return to the Premiership at some point in the
future.
"If I have to leave for some reason or because someone wants me
to... that's life in soccer.
"And if I leave I want to keep coaching next season at another
European club.
"I like English soccer and I'd like to coach another club in the
Premiership but not now.
"I don't imagine leaving Chelsea and going straight to another
English club. It would be a very strange situation and I don't want
it to happen."
Having claimed four major trophies in under three seasons, with the
possibility of another three to follow in the coming weeks,
Mourinho has described his superb work at Stamford Bridge as
'historic'.
However, the former Porto coach believes that this season could yet
prove to be his most memorable as Chelsea remain in contention for
the Premiership, FA Cup and UEFA Champions League.
"I have done work in these three years which could be termed
historic, because some of the things we have done can only be
described this way," Mourinho added.
"This season has been the best of all because we have had to
overcome some incredible problems.
"It's been unbelievable what we've suffered because of injury
problems this season, and look what we're still managing to
do."
