Jose Mourinho: Nothing has topped my time at Chelsea
Jose Mourinho says his reign at Chelsea is still the highlight of his career despite having enjoyed highly successful spells elsewhere in Europe.
The former Chelsea boss led the Blues to two Premier League titles, an FA Cup and two League Cups during his three-year spell at Stamford Bridge.
The Real Madrid manager, whose side are unbeaten in La Liga and one point behind leaders Barcelona, won five trophies in just two years at Inter Milan and previously led FC Porto to a famous Champions League title in 2004.
Mourinho, 47, said: “The time I spent here [in England], I have no problem to say it was the best time of my career so far and that’s despite winning the Champions League in Portugal and Italy.
“We did great things and created history for Chelsea with a great contribution to some great moments in this incredible football country.
He added: “The atmosphere, the intensity and the emotion in England is something you cannot compare with other countries and for somebody that is really in love with the game, as I am, this is the place where you enjoy it the most.”
Sir Alex Ferguson recently said he has no intention of retiring and Mourinho is keen to emulate the 68-year-old Manchester United boss’ lengthy career.
“When I heard Sir Alex say this I was laughing because I was not surprised,” said Mourinho. “He is amazing as he is the same person I met in 2004. I have more white hair and more wrinkles but he is exactly the same.
“I hope he continues for years and I get to face him a few more times. So when I am in my 50s or 60s, I also see myself still in football with the same ambitions and desires.”
Mourinho’s Real Madrid travel to Barcelona for El Clásico next Monday, but the Portuguese manager insists he will not read too much into the result.
He said: “It is a different game for me because when I played Barcelona in the Champions League with Chelsea and Inter, it was stay in the competition or go out.
“This is a league game, so yes it is against a rival and yes it is first against second but this game is one of 38 matches in the Spanish Championship.”
