Former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho rules out returning to Inter Milan

Former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has insisted that he will not return to Inter Milan as manager in the summer, fuelling rumours that he will take over at Manchester United.

The Portuguese coach, who has won the league title at Porto, Chelsea and Real Madrid, has been out of work since getting sacked by the Blues in December.

Mourinho has been in Italy this week to meet with former Inter president Massimo Moratti and there were rumours that the 53-year-old could return to San Siro, but the successful coach has insisted that he will not replace Roberto Mancini.

"My next club? I really don't know, but one thing is certain - I love football and I'll return to the touchline with the same passion and ambition as always," Mourinho told La Stampa. "Right now I have respect for every coach and every club. I'm not looking for a club, it's the clubs who are looking for me.

"[When I attend a game] it will be very emotional for me - San Siro, the Inter fans. I want to clarify one thing though, I won't be in charge next season. Inter have a project, and it's Erick Thohir and Roberto Mancini. Their ideas have my full support, and my hope is that the project of the Coach and the President continues with great success."

Mourinho has been widely tipped to replace Louis van Gaal at United this summer, despite the Dutchman still being in charge at Old Trafford.