Mourinho denies going to Milan for Inter talks

Former Chelsea coach Jose Mourinho said yesterday he had not gone to Milan and was not close to signing a deal with Serie A leaders Inter.

Mourinho's personal adviser Eladio Parames said on Friday that the Portuguese had gone for talks with Inter directors. Other media reports said Mourinho had met club president Massimo Moratti but Mourinho denied this.

"I say clearly that it is not true that I went to Milan, nor that I met Moratti whom I don't know personally," Mourinho said.

"It is false that I am on the point of signing for Inter."

The Italian champions have made no official statement but Moratti said on Thursday he was tired of denying rumours.

Inter coach Roberto Mancini announced earlier this month that he would resign at the end of the season, before changing his mind. His position has remained unclear, however, and Italian media have long linked Mourinho with the job.

Mourinho has been linked with a host of top European clubs since his spell with Chelsea came to an end in September when the Premier League club said their relationship with the Portuguese had "broken down".

Mourinho, dubbed the 'Special One' when he took over at Stamford Bridge after lifting the Champions League with Porto in 2004, was adored by Chelsea fans after winning two Premier League titles, two League Cups and an FA Cup.