English clubs must prove they want me, says Jose Mourinho

Jose Mourinho has challenged Barclays Premier League clubs to show they really want him after reiterating his desire to come back to England.

The self-styled 'Special One', who took the Premier League by storm during his three years as Chelsea boss, is constantly being linked with a return.

Mourinho is the favourite to succeed both Sir Alex Ferguson and Roberto Mancini as manager of Manchester United and Manchester City, respectively.

The Real Madrid boss is also always among the leading candidates whenever the Chelsea job becomes vacant, despite the acrimonious nature of his sacking.

Asked if a return to Stamford Bridge was possible, Mourinho told BBC Radio Five Live: "I will go where people really want me and, when that moment arrives, they show me they really want me.

"But I have to repeat always this: I am at Real Madrid. I like very much to be [there]."

He added: "I want one day to be back in English football, yes. I always said that."

Mourinho, widely regarded as one of the greatest managers of all time, also revealed his success was partly down to his ability to immerse himself in a club in the same manner as a supporter.

"When I go to a club, I wear the shirt, I feel the shirt like it's my first one or my last one," he said.

"I feel the fans as part of myself. I create eternal links with fans.

"I go to play against Chelsea and I feel (it), I go to Italy and I feel (it).

"I work for the clubs, I work for the people that trust me, and of course the owners and the directors, but the clubs are the fans.

"For me, it's one of my qualities. I become immediately one of them and I feel that I am one of them with a privileged position to fight for the club and to try to bring to all of them happiness."

PA