Mourinho dog row is resolved

The row over Jose Mourinho’s pet dog that resulted in the football manager’s arrest has been resolved “to the satisfaction of all parties”.

Yorkshire terrier Leya has returned to Portugal with the Chelsea boss’s wife Tami, family lawyers said.

Claims that the animal had been taken in and out of the country, breaking quarantine rules, led to police arresting Mourinho at his London home earlier this week.

Mrs Mourinho’s solicitor Elizabeth Robinson said: “With the full knowledge and assistance of the UK animal health and welfare authorities, the Mourinho family pet, Leya, has returned to Portugal with Mrs Mourinho.

“Once again, the family would ask you to respect their family life, particularly that of Mrs Mourinho and her children.

“Mr Mourinho asks to be allowed to focus upon his task with Chelsea FC, without the repeated questions in relation to this matter which has now concluded to the satisfaction of all parties.”

Mourinho’s Chelsea team face Manchester United today in the first FA Cup Final held at the new Wembley Stadium.

The City of London Corporation, responsible for enforcing legislation regarding the importation of animals for the Greater London area, said: “Following the issuing of an Article 13 notice by the City of London Corporation, we can confirm that the animal in question left the UK from Heathrow in compliance with animal health laws.

“The City of London’s investigations into the incident are continuing.”

The Chelsea coach was arrested on Tuesday night after police and an Animal Welfare Service official called at his home to remove the dog.

Mrs Mourinho and the two children were at home when the officers called to detain the animal amid fears it had been brought back into the country without observing anti-rabies laws.

Mourinho rushed from the club’s Player of the Year awards in Battersea to try to resolve the situation but was arrested when police could not find the dog.