Bayern Munich 0 Inter Milan 2: Bernabeu win leaves Mourinho on brink of sealing a Real deal

Jose Mourinho made the Santiago Bernabeu feel like home as he led Inter Milan to victory over Bayern Munich in the Champions League final.

And after Saturday night's house-warming party in Madrid the Portuguese coach revealed he is set to move permanently to the Spanish capital.

Real Madrid have long sought a coach to match their lofty ambitions and Mourinho has long been the man in their sights to return European glory to the Bernabeu.

Following their e250m outlay last summer, Madrid themselves had hoped to be celebrating a 10th European crown.

That dream died long ago, but they were the hosts at the weekend as Mourinho became champion of Europe for a second time and the welcome extended to the Inter coach was for a long-term marriage, not a one-night fling.

After leading Inter to an unprecedented treble of Serie A, Coppa Italia and Champions League titles, Mourinho said: "It was difficult to leave Chelsea and it will be sad to leave Inter. Inter is my home in the same way Chelsea was my home. But that's life, that's football.

"Now I have two homes, Stamford Bridge and San Siro. And now I will have a third home – probably the Santiago Bernabeu."

Pep Guardiola's Barcelona also secured a treble of league, cup and Champions League last year, before going on to win the Spanish and European Supercups and the FIFA World Club Cup to bag a record six titles in 2009.

It was thought that Mourinho, who has collected trophies for fun in his eight years with Porto, Chelsea and Inter, may look to emulate Guardiola and win all six for the Italian side.

But the Portuguese was scathing and dismissive of the other three titles on offer in the next six months ahead of the final on Friday and, having won the important three, he clearly feels now is the time to coach Madrid.

"If you don't coach Real Madrid then you always have a gap in your career," he said. "Only Real are interested in me but I haven't spoken with anyone and I haven't signed anything. I promised I'd speak after the final."

Mourinho flew back to Milan to celebrate last night's triumph with his players, but Inter president Massimo Moratti stayed behind in Madrid, probably to thrash out a deal with Real boss Florentino Perez.

Mourinho said he would talk to Perez this week.

"The day after tomorrow (I will speak to him)," he said Saturday night. "I don't know the project yet, so I have to hear the project. Real is an enormous club, a club that wants the same as me; I want to win, I want to feel important, I want to keep on winning."

Moratti has advised whoever succeeds Mourinho as Inter boss not to try to imitate the Portuguese.

Moratti retains a glimmer of hope Mourinho could remain at the San Siro, but that prospect appears unlikely.

"We will speak soon," said Moratti. "Mourinho returned with the team to Milan Saturday night. I don't think he has signed for another club because he is a serious person. Perhaps he has spoken to a team but I hope there is still a margin to convince him to change his mind.

"I am nevertheless grateful for Mourinho because he has allowed us to win so much."

Mourinho has guided Inter to two scudetti, one Coppa Italia and a Champions League, the club's first in 45 years.

They went unbeaten at the San Siro throughout the season, they lost just four times in Serie A, and ended the league having claimed five consecutive wins en route to scudetto.

"Mourinho has brought professionalism and a winning mentality to the club," said Moratti.

"He has great merit and he is an unforgettable person."

The Italian press has been linking numerous coaches as Mourinho's replacement.

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez is a reported target as is Turkey coach Guus Hiddink.

Former Inter Milan assistant and player Sinisa Mihajlovic, the current boss of Catania, is also a reported target while England manager Fabio Capello is also among the names circulating to succeed Mourinho.

"Mourinho is unique," said Moratti. "No-one can coach, motivate and communicate like he can. If somebody else should arrive in his place, he shouldn't try to imitate but move forward, with his own personality and try to lead a group that has overcome its complexes and that still has a lot to give."

Mourinho's move looks set to be finalised in the coming days and the focus will then switch to the players the Portuguese will recruit to bring the glory days back to Madrid. And Inter's matchwinner Diego Milito is one man who could follow Mourinho to the Bernabeu.

"Let's see what happens next year," he said after scoring both of Inter's goals and being named man of the match.

The Argentina forward claims he owes his own success to Mourinho.

"I don't have words to describe how grateful I am to the coach for what he has done for me," he said. "He deserves this more than anybody. He is a great coach and has worked so hard."

MATCH FOCUS

Hero: Diego Milito

There were more than a few eyebrows raised when Jose Mourinho decided to bring the 30-year-old striker to the San Siro. One of four players purchased with the 40m he received from the sale of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, he proved on Saturday night that it was a fantastic piece of business for the Italians. His goals had got Inter to the final and then he won it for them with two quality finishes.

Villain: Franck Ribery

Bayern Munich lacked the flair and guile needed to break down a resolute Inter defence. They worked hard and tried their best, but only had one real effort to talk about. Things, however, would have been very different had France international Franck Ribery not lost his head in the first leg of the semi-final against Lyon and got himself sent off. The three-match ban robbed him of a final place and Bayern of their best player.

Ref watch

Howard Webb: The Rotherham referee was making the most of there being no English club in the final and took his opportunity well with a display full of authority and class. The World Cup now beckons and he will surely impress again... this time on the world stage.

Verdict

Football is all about opinions and in the mind of Jose Mourinho, he is the best manager in the world of football. Few could argue with him at this precise moment. Another Champions League victory with another side few expected to even make the final (who would have given Porto or Inter a chance?) means he takes his place in history and now as Real Madrid manager.

Quote of the day

It was difficult to leave Chelsea and it will be sad to leave Inter. Inter is my home in the same way Chelsea was my home. But that's life, that's football.

– Jose Mourinho explains just how difficult it is going to be for him to leave Inter Milan as he prepares for a new job with Real Madrid.

Next game

The next game for so many of the stars on show in this game will be in South Africa and at the 2010 World Cup. This little taster of what to expect during the summer has certainly whetted the appetite.