Mourinho's reputation has taken a battering in Madrid as Real stutter this season, with the Portuguese's antics rather unpopular in Spain.

In a message recorded for the Football Association to mark their 150th birthday, Mourinho said: "I know that one day I will come back because English football means a lot to myself … Of course, it's impossible, but I feel everybody involved in the game should experience English football because it's a special feeling. You really enjoy being a football professional there."