Mourinho: Inter fought to keep Perisic

The Croatian winger had been heavily linked with a big-money move to Old Trafford this summer but talk a move has somewhat died down recently, with Inter's sporting director Piero Ausilio insisting that the player is not for sale.

Mourinho was in philosophical mood when talking about the failed transfer with 'Premium Sport'.

'That's football,' he said. 'If I was playing against Inter tomorrow I'd want to win.

'They're strong, they put up a good defence to keep someone who's an important player for them. That's football.'

The former Inter boss also admitted that he still has a soft spot for his former side.

'The truth is that since I left, all Inter coaches have had the same messages from me,' he explained.

'I want them to win trophies for the Interisti, and when I say Interisti what I mean is us.

'He [Spalletti] received the same message I gave to Gasperini, Ranieri, Mazzarri… with all those who came to Inter there are too many to name.

'I hope Luciano can give stability to the team and win something for us.'