Former Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho's next job won't be in Portugal, he admits, after politely declining Benfica role

The veteran coach won't be returning to the club that fired him nearly a decade ago

Former Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho has said that he has "no intention" of taking his next managerial job back in his homeland after Portuguese giants Benfica approached him about taking over their faltering title challenge.

Benfica are seven points adrift of FC Porto and incumbent Bruno Lage would have already been fired if the Eagles could find a suitable successor.

Mourinho was potentially going to be that man and club president Luis Filipe Vieira admitted that money was no object and that he would push for the ex-United, Chelsea and Real Madrid boss.

Portuguese tabloid Correio da Manha spoke to Mourinho on Thursday, however, and the 55-year-old coach ruled out a return to Lisbon.

"I do not like feeding news stories, but I have no intention of working in Portugal.

Mourinho left United in December but won't resume his coaching career back in Portugal (Reuters)

"The best way to respect a great club (Benfica) and a great president is to say that I was not approached," he added.

While Benfica president Luis Filipe Vieira had said "money is no issue" for the Portuguese giants as they looked to hire Mourinho , he did also clarify that he hadn't formally offered the job to 'the Special One'.

"For now, Bruno Lage is the coach of Benfica," Vieira told Portuguese broadcaster SIC. "There will be news next week."

When asked about the possibility of bringing Mourinho back to Lisbon, Vieira said: "I am his friend. Who would not like to have Mourinho? [But] I have not talked to him.

"If he says yes tomorrow, he'll be here at the drop of a hat. Money is no issue for Benfica."