Source:
https://scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1916492/jose-mourinho-hopes-be-back-summer-man-united-million-dollar-question
Sport/ Football

Jose Mourinho hopes to be back in summer, but Man United is a “million dollar question”

Former Chelsea manager is coy when asked if he is heading to the Red Devils and admits to Singapore students that he is enjoying his break away from the game he loves

Former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho speaks to the media after a visit to NorthLight School in Singapore on Wedndesday. Photo; Reuters

Jose Mourinho says he is in the dark about a possible switch to Manchester United, but he hopes to be back in football this summer.

The Portuguese, who was sacked as manager by Chelsea in December despite winning the English title last year, has been heavily tipped by British media to take over from current United coach Louis van Gaal in June, but he was coy when asked by students at Singapore’s NorthLight secondary school.

“That’s the one million dollar question and nobody knows and I’m the first one not to know,” Mourinho replied to the young United fan who asked if he would be heading to Old Trafford for next season.

“The reality is I like football so much and I miss football, so when I get the chance to come back I will come back, but I have to wait to see what happens.”

Former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho signs autographs for students of NorthLight School during a visit in Singapore. Photo: Reuters
Former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho signs autographs for students of NorthLight School during a visit in Singapore. Photo: Reuters

Asked by a young Chelsea supporter to look back on his experience and two spells with the London club, Mourinho had mixed feelings.

That’s the one million dollar question and nobody knows and I’m the first one not to know Jose Mourinho

“It’s quite a funny career because I am still the English champion and I have no job,” the 53-year-old said. “I look more to the future, I look to the future with more enthusiasm. Now I enjoy my quiet life in this period when I’m not working in football and I hope in the summer I will be back.”

Mourinho was joined by agent Jorge Mendes to speak with children at the school as part of Valencia chairman Peter Lim’s Olympic scholarship.

Valencia owner Peter Lim listens as former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho speak with students of NorthLight School. Photo; Reuters
Valencia owner Peter Lim listens as former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho speak with students of NorthLight School. Photo; Reuters

The Portuguese who has also managed Real Madrid, Inter Milan and Porto, said after the 20 minute event that nothing concrete had been agreed with United or any club.

“I read so many different things. One day says yes, one day says no. One other day says I go to China, another to Italy, I go to Milan and people say I’m going back to Inter,” he said.

“Every day new things are coming, but the reality is that I have no job and at this moment I am happy not to have a job.”

Former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho poses with students of NorthLight School during a visit in Singapore. Photo: Reuters
Former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho poses with students of NorthLight School during a visit in Singapore. Photo: Reuters