Monday 18 February 2019 12:59, UK
Jose Mourinho says the chance to manage in a new league would be a "fantastic experience" and admits France's Ligue 1 is on his radar.
The experienced Portuguese was sacked as Manchester United manager in December and has already rejected an offer to return to lead Benfica - the club where he started his managerial career.
Mourinho, who has previously been linked with Paris Saint-Germain, has worked in Spain and Italy, along with England and his native Portugal but wants to experience a new league.
I am a man who has worked in four different countries. I like to know other cultures. Working in a new championship would be a fantastic experience.
"I can imagine myself as a coach in Ligue 1," Mourinho told beIN SPORTS.
"I am a man who has worked in four different countries. I like to know other cultures. Working in a new championship would be a fantastic experience.
"For now I'm calm, I try to live better with my family and friends and I work calmly to hope for the opportunity to go back to football."
Mourinho was a guest of Lille sporting director Luis Campos for their league draw against Montpellier on Sunday and the 56-year-old admits he will soon crave a return to the dugout.
"I think two to three months, January, February and March, [without a job] is OK [but] afterwards it is harder," he added.
"I hope calmly to have the opportunity to come back stronger.
"The project is my project as a person and as a coach, to improve, to be better, to think every day about my profession, which is also my passion - it is not just my profession. But now is not the time to speak with clubs.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer replaced Mourinho as caretaker manager, remaining unbeaten in his first 11 matches in charge but that run came to an end against PSG in the Champions League last-16 first leg tie at Old Trafford.
Asked whether he had watched the defeat, Mourinho, who concedes it is hard to watch his former side, said: "No. I did not watch [the match].
"I prefer to watch other clubs and other leagues. [In England] I know all the players, I know all the clubs - I know the philosophy. For me, it is more interesting to watch the other leagues."
