Mourinho ´primed´ for Inter return

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho has refused to rule out returning ‘home’ to Inter.

The Portuguese led the Serie A club to the treble in 2010 before moving to the Santiago Bernabeu.

However, reports suggest Mourinho will leave Madrid at the end of the season and he has now fanned the flames of speculation by admitting that he is open to rejoining Inter, but only if former technical director Gabriele Oriali returns.

“Inter is my home; a return home is always possible,” the two-time Champions League winner told Sky Sport Italia.

“It’s the same with ‘Lele’ – he must go home.”

Inter have appointed former youth team boss Andrea Stramaccioni as coach until the end of the season following the dismissal of former boss Claudio Ranieri as the Italian club endures a disappointing campaign.

Mourinho was keen to wish the former all the best, while offering his commiserations to the latter.

“Like all the Inter fans I want him (Stramaccioni) to do well,” he told Sky Sport.

“I’m sorry for Ranieri, but football is like this. When things go wrong, coaches are changed.”

Mourinho also had some kind words for a familiar face in the Sky Sport studio, former Inter defender Marco Materazzi.

“I miss him a lot, but we are close now and we always will be,” he said of the 2006 World Cup winner.

“I’m sure he’s happy with our result today (Tuesday). For me, he will always be a brother.”

Inter are currently eighth in Serie A, 10 points out of the Champions League qualification places.