Mourinho wants immediate coaching return after Chelsea exit

LONDON (AP) - Jose Mourinho wants an immediate return to management after being fired by Chelsea.

The Portuguese coach used a statement issued Saturday through his management company to emphasize his enduring enthusiasm and passion for soccer and revealed that he will remain living in London.

"He will not be taking a sabbatical, he isn't tired, he doesn't need it, he is very positive, and is already looking forward," the CAA Sports statement said. "Jose hopes that his future after Chelsea this time will be as successful as when he left the club in 2007."

Mourinho won the Champions League, Serie A and Italian Cup at Inter Milan and then the league and Copa del Rey with Real Madrid before returning to Chelsea in 2013.

And the 52-year-old Mourinho seemed to be issuing a reminder to future employers when the statement stressed: "During his career, Jose has sometimes chosen to leave a club, but only at Chelsea has the club decided that he should leave."

Mourinho's second spell at Stamford Bridge ended on Thursday, with Chelsea having lost nine of its first 16 league matches this season after sweeping to the title by eight points in May.

"Jose Mourinho is pleased that he returned to Chelsea football club because he was able to give the fans another Premier League title," the statement said.

As Guus Hiddink completed a deal to return to Chelsea as manager until the end of the season, Mourinho was watching a second-tier match between Brighton and Middlesbrough on Saturday. Middlesbrough is managed by Aitor Karanka, who was Mourinho's assistant at Madrid.

"Because of his love of football, you will see Jose at football grounds working and supporting friends," the statement added. "He will not be attending any high-profile games because he wants to discourage any speculation about his future."