It is fascinating that Jose Mourinho has sent the media and allegedly several football clubs into a spin by posing for photographs in London.
Speculation that the self-appointed ‘Special One’ has been house hunting in the Capital has triggered immediate speculation that Mourinho is heading back to the Premier League in the summer.
With Andre Villas-Boas struggling to win over his critics and Chelsea in dangers of failing to qualify for the Champions League, Blues fans are praying he is heading for a return to the Bridge.
Over in North London, Spurs fans would love to see Mourinho take charge if Harry Redknapp gets the England job. Arsenal may also like to keep their options after seven seasons without a trophy for Arsene Wenger. And if the FA fail to appoint an Englishman as manager Mourinho would definitely be on the shortlist.
But there are two big reasons why Mourinho may just be making mischief. Firstly, the prospect of reigning in Spain with Real Madrid and knocking Barcelona off their perch is surely a bigger deal than any of the aforementioned London-based jobs. And secondly, the Portuguese maverick has made it clear he wants to succeed Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United – and that almost certainly means hanging around for another two or three seasons.
The media circus has already started with the Daily Mirror splashing the ‘world exclusive’ headline “Back for Mour?” and I for one expect this is a story that won’t go away any time soon. My gut feeling is that Mourinho will stay in Madrid for another couple of seasons.
Imagine the media frenzy Jose would create if he eventually strolls into Old Trafford – and brings Cristiano Ronaldo home with him!
