"I couldn't see myself coaching any national team other than Portugal. If I were coach of another team and had to face Portugal, it would be wrong," he told the News of the World.

"I think there are those who adore me in England. I adore English football. But I won't go back there for now. I'd like to come back later."

There has been raising speculation surrounding coach Steve McClaren's future after England disappointing results.

"I'd like to continue in club management, perhaps in Italy where I can test myself against their tacticians. The national team would be for later. The Portuguese national team is an ambition but not for the Jose Mourinho of today.

"Being the coach of a national team is not the same as being coach of a club. It's a job for someone who doesn't like working much."

Mourinho has been spotted by Inter president Massimo Moratti three years ago when he led Porto to the UEFA Champions League. Now that he is free he would easy find an offer next summer or maybe sooner in January.