Mourinho rejects England coach job

LONDON, England -- Jose Mourinho has turned down the chance to become England's new supremo after discussions with Football Association hierarchy.

The former Chelsea manager said he had talked with the FA's chief executive Brian Barwick and Trevor Brooking but after "deep and serious thinking" decided he does not want to succeed sacked Steve McClaren.

"After Steve McClaren left the England football team, my representatives maintained contact with the FA," said Mourinho in a statement on www.gestifute.com, his agent Jorge Mendes' Web site.

"In that sense, I had myself useful discussions with Brian Barwick and Trevor Brooking where we exchanged ideas to evaluate the entire situation about the England squad and set the goals in case of real invitation being addressed to me.

"After deep and serious thinking, I decided to exclude myself from being England manager despite being a fantastic position for me.

"I'm sure FA will hire a great manager, one able to place the team back where it belongs.

"I reiterate my respect for the English football and, after three good years in England, I firmly believe that the England squad will soon be back to their usual great results."

Mourinho was the overwhelming fans choice to take charge and his decision to reject the job leaves the FA with four other top candidates.

Marcello Lippi, who mastermined Italy's 2006 World Cup triumph, compatriot Fabio Capello, the former Real Madrid coach, have made it known they would like to take charge of England.

Former Germany coach Juergen Klinsmann, now based in the United States, is another option, while Barwick could still try to prise Martin O'Neill from Premier League Aston Villa.

Northern Irishman O'Neill originally appeared to rule himself out of the running, but could still be approached.

Meanwhile, Mourinho reportedly snubbed England after being promised a top European club job at the end of the season. E-mail to a friend