Mourinho denies meeting Inter officials

Former Chelsea coach Jose Mourinho said toady 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 had previously indicated that  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 claimed. "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. 

© 2008 The Irish Times