Mourinho hints at return to England

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Louise Thomas

Editor

Jose Mourinho, currently managing Real Madrid, has again hinted that his future may lie in England despite signing a new contract with the Spanish champions last week that runs until 2016.

Mourinho was speaking at a conference in the Turkish capital, Ankara, and highlighted the difference in fan culture between Spain and England as one of the main reasons why he may return.

"I have signed until 2016, but in a club like Madrid if you lose two consecutive games they can cancel your contract," he said. "I hope to do as well as possible in these years as I am better than ever with 10 years of experience. In 2016 my daughter will be starting university and I would like to choose in which city she studies.

"London was distinct for me," he added. "I had a normal life there. In England the people are not interested in your personal life, but that is different in Spain and Italy. I need to protect my family."

The former Chelsea manager also reflected on a season in which Real regained the Spanish title after a four-year absence, but once again failed to make the Champions' League final after losing to the German contenders Bayern Munich on penalties in the semi-finals.

"If Barcelona didn't exist, Madrid would win the league without a coach," he said. "We accumulated 100 points and Barça 91. This is something that you don't see in leagues like Italy, France and England.

"In order to win the Champions' League it isn't necessary to be the best, you only have to look at the final. In that, Bayern had 18 corners and Chelsea only one and look what happened. The English scored with this sole corner.

"Once again this just showed that in a final or a cup game anything can happen.

"In a league competition it is different. You play 38 games and the small details count for a lot."