Mourinho: I've been used to winning every year since 2003

Jose Mourinho is eyeing a return to management and is eager to get back to winning trophies again.

The Portuguese coach was sacked by Manchester United in December after a string of poor results and reports of a dressing room rift.

"I'm the same as always, I've been used to winning every year since 2003," he told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

"This winning rhythm was only interrupted in the last 18 months. It's not even 18 months since [I won] the Europa League with Manchester United and now I want to return more than ever.

Mourinho has won 25 titles during his time in the dugout which has taken Porto, Chelsea, Inter, Real Madrid and the Red Devils.

"I'm in great shape and as motivated as when I first started," he added.

Mourinho left United in sixth place in the Premier League and several points behind the Champions League spaces.

"It's a period in my life where I'm careful with what I'm seeing and what I read. Now I look around me, I study, and my television work is going well.

"I'm at peace, but at the same time I have the incredible urge to return."

The 56-year-old has won the Champions League twice before, with Porto in 2004 and Inter in 2010, but isn't giving away who he thinks will pick up the trophy in June.

"We're only at the last 16 stage, it's early to be speaking about favourites. From the quarter-finals it will be clear. Each team has a 12.5 percent chance of winning.

"One of Juventus and Atletico Madrid will be out soon, and another between Bayern Munich and Liverpool. But I'm convinced that we will see very good and even quarter-finals."