The former Chelsea and Manchester United manager was sacked by Roma two months ago but wants to return to management “in the summer”.

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Now the 61-year-old claims the “door opened” for him TWICE on taking charge of his own country.

Mourinho says the first opportunity came while he was in charge of Real from 2010-2013.

But Bernabeu president Florentino stood firm with a “no chance” response.

The Special One claims Portugal then came back in for him after Fernando Santos was axed following a poor 2022 World Cup.

But although Mourinho was “proud” to be their first choice, he opted to stay at Roma.

Ex-Everton and Belgium boss Roberto Martinez was appointed instead.

And while Mourinho went to be ousted by his Serie A club, Martinez has guided Portugal to 11 straight wins.

The former Inter Milan and Tottenham chief told journalist Fabrizio Romano: “I had the door open to be Portugal coach twice.

“First time when I was at Real Madrid but Florentino told me, ‘no chance’.”The second time was at Roma, I was sacked a few months later… but I don’t regret that because I’m happy with the reason”.

But Chelsea legend Frank Leboeuf is among those who have suggested Mourinho would be keen to land the job at some stage.

Leboeuf has told ESPN: “He admitted that the last thing he would love to do in his coaching career would be to get the Portuguese national team job. 

“I think that’s going to be his goal.”

Earlier this week Mourinho said: “I want to work in the summer, I want to work.”

And asked about the Portugal job, he added: “Never say no, especially in football.

“My life is football, I can coach anywhere and I have no problems.”