José Mourinho hints at Madrid departure and return to Chelsea

The Portuguese coach, whose relationship with some supporters, players and the media, has been fraught in Spain, said he wants to be "where people love me". He added: "I know I am loved in England. I am loved by some clubs, especially one." The contrast with Spain could not be any greater, Kazinform refers to theguardian.co.uk

Madrid were knocked out in the last-four stage for the third successive season after a 2-0 second-leg victory was not enough to overturn a 4-1 defeat in the first leg and, unlike last season, Mourinho did not take the opportunity to announce that he would continue. Instead he revealed that he intends to see out the season and then discuss his future with Madrid's president, Florentino Pérez. That discussion is more about the way he departs than whether he goes at all.

Mourinho had avoided commenting on his future over the past few months as speculation grew that he was planning to walk away but he also avoided committing himself to the club beyond the end of the season, even though he has a contract until 2016. On Tuesday he dropped an extremely heavy hint that his future lies at Stamford Bridge.

Stopped by ITV in the television interview area after Madrid's knock out, Mourinho was asked if he would be at Madrid next season. He replied: "Maybe not," adding: "I want to be where people love me to be." That remark, cut short by the need to give way to an advert break, was quickly picked up on and the Portuguese was quizzed again about his future when he reached the post-match press conference.

Asked if he would be back to try to win the Champions League with Real Madrid, Mourinho replied: "It's not important. What's important is that Madrid achieve that."

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