Mourinho ready for his emotional return

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho is ready for an emotional return to the Stamford Bridge dugout on Sunday.

He won two titles and two FA Cups before his first spell as Blues boss ended in 2007 but always made it clear that he wanted to work in the Premier League again.

And Mourinho is sure of a hero’s reception from the home fans when Chelsea face Hull in their first competitive match since the 50-year-old’s return to SW6.

“I feel like somebody who should be in this competition,” he declared.

“It’s my favourite one and my favourite country to work in, and I can say that because I had experiences in three other countries.

“I think I am in my natural habitat. I want to be seen as somebody who, not being British, is very much connected with this football country.

“I look forward to the salt and pepper of football. Let’s go for it, full of joy. I hope every fan is the same.”

Mourinho’s appointment delighted Chelsea supporters, who called for his return during Rafael Benitez’s eventful spell as interim manager last season.

They chanted the Portuguese’s name during home matches – sending a clear message to club owner Roman Abramovich – and their wish was granted in June following Mourinho’s departure from Real Madrid.

It means this weekend’s match is sure to be a remarkable occasion.

“I go to Stamford Bridge and go to my people,” said Mourinho.

“When I go back to the stadium, the dugout, I will have to control it a little bit.

“On Sunday it will feel different, for sure. It will be a couple of minutes and then I can concentrate on the game.”

And Mourinho, who famously described himself as the ‘special one’ when he arrived at Chelsea from Porto in 2004, believes he returns as an even better manager having since worked in Italy and Spain.

He won the Champions League and two Serie A titles with Inter Milan and the Spanish title during his time at Real.

“I feel I am probably better than ever,” he said.

“Experience helps us to be better – especially managers, who are not like players when sometimes age changes them for the negative.

“I want to be seen as someone who wants to give his all for this club and for the Premier League.”

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