Jose Mourinho releases statement on Chelsea departure

Jose Mourinho is looking forward to getting back into management following his exit from Premier League champions Chelsea.

Mourinho left his role at Stamford Bridge on Thursday after a dire start to the season which has seen the Blues follow up their title win last term with nine defeats from their opening 16 games.

But the Portuguese manager, who released statement through the agency which represents him, is relishing a new challenge.

“He will not be taking a sabbatical, he isn’t tired, he doesn’t need it, he is very positive, and is already looking forward,” CAA said in a statement to several news outlets.

“Because of his love of football, you will see Jose at football grounds working and supporting friends. He will not be attending any high-profile games because he wants to discourage any speculation about his future.

“Jose will remain living in London and hopes he and his family will be given the opportunity to do this privately.

“Jose will not speak about his current situation for the foreseeable future. He asks the media to respect this decision.”

Blues bosses insisted Mourinho had left the club “by mutual consent” but the statement hints that he was sacked.

It added: “During his career, Jose has sometimes chosen to leave a club, but only at Chelsea has the club decided that he should leave.

“Each time represents for him the end of a cycle, and the opportunity to start a new one. Jose hopes that his future after Chelsea this time will be as successful as when he left the club in 2007.”

Jose Mourinho statement in full

“Jose Mourinho is pleased that he returned to Chelsea Football Club because he was able to give the fans another Premier League title, which they had not won for many years. He is immensely proud of his eight trophies at Chelsea, and thanks the fans for all their support throughout his two spells at the club.

“During his career, Jose has sometimes chosen to leave a club, but only at Chelsea has the club decided that he should leave.

“Each time represents for him the end of a cycle, and the opportunity to start a new one. Jose hopes that his future after Chelsea this time will be as successful as when he left the club in 2007.

“He will not be taking a sabbatical, he isn’t tired, he doesn’t need it, he is very positive, and is already looking forward.

“Because of his love of football, you will see Jose at football grounds working and supporting friends. He will not be attending any high-profile games because he wants to discourage any speculation about his future.

“Jose will remain living in London and hopes he and his family will be given the opportunity to do this privately.

“Jose will not speak about his current situation for the foreseeable future. He asks the media to respect this decision.”