Mourinho respects Guardiola decision

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho has sent his best wishes to departing Barcelona counterpart Pep Guardiola.

Citing mental fatigue from his four-year spell in the Barcelona dugout, Guardiola revealed last week that he will step down from his position at the end of the season.

Assistant Tito Vilanova will replace the former Spain international as head coach of the Catalan giants.

“I don’t have to comment on Guardiola. It’s his decision. When they fire us, we deserve solidarity, and in many cases the clubs deserve criticism, but Guardiola’s case is completely different.

“It’s a personal decision, he knows it. He has to comment on it, say what makes him happiest at any moment.

“That’s why there is no feeling of going against anybody, or of feeling sorry for anybody. The most important thing is that he is happy with his decision.

“I have been a coach for 12 years, and me being worn out will be in June when there are no games or training sessions. But everyone is different, and you have to accept that. I hope Guardiola enjoys his time off and I send him a big hug from here.”

Mourinho also revealed that becoming the first manager to win titles in England, Italy and Spain would be very special to him as he sits on the verge of a first La Liga title with Real.

The Spanish giants will be crowned champions if they defeat Athletic Bilbao on Wednesday, which would add to domestic titles Mourinho previously won with Chelsea and Inter Milan, as well as FC Porto.

“Until the title is won, it’s hypothetical. Normally I’m calm. It will not be my last league, there will be another opportunity to celebrate again so I’m not a man of great celebrations,” Mourinho said.

“But I’ve never hidden that one of my goals was to win the three major leagues in world football and if I do, I’m sure it will be a moment of great joy for me.”