Football: Jose Mourinho claimed he could never manage Tottenham after rejecting job years ago

The Portuguese was appointed as the new Spurs boss on a three-and-a-half year deal on Tuesday evening following the sacking of Mauricio Pochettino on Tuesday.

Jose Mourinho rejected Daniel Levy's first approach to appoint him as Tottenham manager 12 years ago, citing that he couldn't do it out of respect to Chelsea .

The Portuguese became the new Spurs boss on Wednesday, penning a three-and-a-half year deal as he replaced the axed Mauricio Pochettino.


The appointment marks Mourinho's return to Premier League football 11 months after he was sacked by Manchester United , and a return to London following his two spells at Stamford Bridge, where he won three Premier League titles.