Italy hates me, says disdainful Mourinho

Posted Wednesday, March 31, 2010 by theguardian.com

José Mourinho admits he misses England and attacks Italian football

Italy hates me, says disdainful Mourinho
'I don't like Italian football, and it doesn't like me,' said Inter coach José Mourinho.

The Internazionale coach, José Mourinho, again spoke of his distaste for Italian football on the eve of his side's Champions League quarter-final first leg against CSKA Moscow. "I am very happy at Inter but not in Italian football," the former Chelsea coach told Sky Sports. Asked why, he said: "Because I don't like it and it doesn't like me, simple."

Mourinho went on to say he missed England, fuelling rumours of a return next season. He had already voiced his displeasure with elements of Italian football and again declined to talk to the media after his Serie A leaders lost 2-1 at Roma on Saturday, continuing a month-long media boycott before and after Italian league games.

"My press silence is doing me good because it allows me to sit on the bench and that's important for me," he said. "I've always said that a coach does not win a match from the bench but it allows him to stay close to his players and that's where I want to be. Not speaking about Italy or the Italian league allows me to sit on the bench, and no I don't want to risk that," he said about his boycott.

Mourinho hinted that this will be his last season in Italy by reaffirming his affection for the Premier League. "I miss English football and English football misses me, there's no doubt about that, but right now I'm thinking only about Inter," he added. "At Inter I'm very busy with the league, the Italian Cup and the Champions League. These occupy all my thoughts, preparing games and analysing them."