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Jose Mourinho

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has revealed that his wife, Matilde, was responsible for his decision to turn down the role of England head coach in December 2007.
Mourinho, who is in his second spell at Stamford Bridge, claims that he was considering an approach by the Football Association to succeed the sacked Steve McClaren, only for his wife’s reservations to deter him.

“It was the right decision. My wife was right. She told me not to take it,” Mourinho told reporters in London.
“We are not speaking about the job today. We are talking about seven years ago, and I cannot wait two years for a big competition.

“I cannot be spending two years playing against Kazakhstan and San Marino,” added Mourinho, who had left Chelsea by mutual consent in September 2007.

The FA ultimately appointed Italian Fabio Capello, who remained in the role until 2012, while Mourinho went on to join Inter Milan. — AFP