Mourinho: No way Jose
Mourinho left Chelsea by mutual consent in September
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Monday, 10, Dec 2007 08:55
Jose Mourinho has snubbed the chance to manage England.
In a hammer blow to the Football Association (FA), the former Chelsea boss has ruled himself out of the running to replace Steve McClaren.
Mourinho revealed he held talks with FA chief executive Brian Barwick and director of football Trevor Brooking.
The 44-year-old has stunned the nation by announcing he is not interested in the job following talks with the FA.
"We exchanged ideas to evaluate the entire situation about the England squad and set the goals in case of a real approach," Mourinho said.
"After serious thought, I decided to exclude myself despite it being a fantastic position.
"I'm sure the FA will hire a great manager, one able to place the team back where it belongs.
"I reiterate my respect for English football and, after three good years in England, I firmly believe that the England squad will soon be back to their usual great results."
Mourinho is believed to want to return to club management and has been linked with AC Milan and Barcelona.
The FA has once again been rejected by its first choice candidate, after Portugal coach Luis Felipe Scolari turned down the chance to replace Sven Goran Eriksson last year.
Italian Fabio Capello has now cemented his place as the favourite to becoming the new England manager.
Capello and World Cup winner Marcello Lippi have both claimed they have yet to be contacted by the FA.
The FA want to unveil the new England boss on 19 December, according to reports.