JOSE MOURINHO will make a decision on his Real Madrid future at the end of the season, with a return to the Premier League firmly on the cards.

The former Chelsea manager has been strongly linked with a return to Stamford Bridge, with interim manager Rafa Benitez set to depart when his short-term contract expires in the summer.

Mourinho was speaking after Real’s UEFA Champions League semi-final elimination at the hands of Borussia Dortmund, where a 2-0 second leg success was not enough to prevent a 4-3 aggregate defeat.

The Portuguese coach said: "I know in England I am loved. I am loved by the fans, I am loved by the media, they treat me in a fair way, criticising me and giving me credit when I deserve it.

"I know I am loved by some clubs, especially one. In Spain the situation is a bit different because some people hate me.”

"I didn’t make a decision because I have a contract, but more than the contract, the respect I have for the club and the president.”

"I want to finish the season, I want to try to win the (Copa del Rey) final, I want to try to finish second (in La Liga) and at the end of the season I will sit with Florentino Perez, my president, my friend, and decide the best for me.

Agencies