Mourinho looking to play crying game once again

Mourinho was tearful after eliminating the West Londoners following a 1-0 win in the last 16 at Stamford Bridge back in March, realising he had ruined the dream of many of his close friends.

"At Stamford Bridge I cried because during the 90 minutes I wasn't thinking that I was playing against friends, but after the game I realised that my friends were out of the competition," he reflected ahead of tonight's Champions League final against Bayern Munich.

"But that was crucial for Inter, without that victory we wouldn't be here today – it was a difficult emotional situation."

Victory over Bayern at the Santiago Bernabeu is likely to produce tears of a different kind, however, and Mourinho would be proud to see Inter boss Moratti turn on the waterworks after a 45-year European Cup drought.

"Defeat or victory, it will be unforgettable, but Moratti is a very special person for me," he said.

"I would love to see him cry (with joy), I would love to see him with the cup in his hands, I would love to see him in a picture next to his father; I would love to give my little contribution to help make that happen," he explained.

Inter's current boss is son of former club owner Angelo Moratti, who led the Italians to back-to-back European Cup titles in the 1960s.

Success was hard to come by initially under Moratti jnr, but recent times have been more prosperous, especially this season.

Mourinho's "little contribution" has already seen the Milanese outfit capture the Serie A title and the Coppa Italia this season, but the Portuguese coach knows tonight's final is the big one.

"Forty five years is a long time," he said. "Many of Inter's fans cannot remember that far back and many were not even born when the club last won the European Cup.

"The Champions League final is always important and you want to win it even if you won it last year, but I imagine that for these fans it will be even more special after such a long wait."

Mourinho insists he has made no decision over his future amid

widespread speculation linking him to Real Madrid.

He is the overwhelming favourite to take over at Madrid if they

dispense with the services of Manuel Pellegrini following a trophy-less season.

"When the match finishes I can't say that it's going to be my last match," he said yesterday. "Maybe three or four days from now or a week from now a decision will be taken."

Bayern Munich coach Louis van Gaal still does not believe his team are among the elite sides of European football even though they are now just one step away from winning the Champions League.

Like opponents Inter, they have the chance to secure a historic treble having already won their domestic league and cup competitions, but van Gaal feels they are not yet in the class of teams like Chelsea, Manchester United and last season's European champions Barcelona.

When asked if he felt Bayern had reached the highest level with their performances domestically and in Europe this season, he said: "I don't think so. As I said before I think that Chelsea, Manchester United and Barcelona are the better teams of Europe. Nevertheless, we can win the title.

"We have shown our level and of course we were also a little bit lucky that time when we played against Manchester United, but it was deserved I believe.

"It's always possible that the lower level club wins, that's sport."

Bayern will be missing one of their main cogs with French winger Franck Ribery suspended.

Mourinho was his usual colourful self in the press room during his conference and he reserved a wicked taunt for Bayern, who have already celebrated the two domestic titles they have accumulated.

"Bayern had the party and the bus (celebration)," he said. "We haven't had a party or a bus."

Tonight will decide whether Inter can make such arrangements or whether Bayern get back on the bus for a second lap of honour.

Jose's triumphs

2003: In his first full season in charge, Porto win the treble of domestic league and cup, and UEFA Cup.

2004: Having defended their Portuguese league title, Porto win the Champions League title in Gelsenkirchen with a 3-0 win over Monaco.

June: Appointed manager of Chelsea.

2005: February 27 – Wins first trophy with Chelsea, who beat Liverpool 3-2 in Carling Cup final.

April – Chelsea seal Barclays Premiership title at Bolton.

2006: April – Chelsea beat Manchester United 3-0 to win their second

consecutive Premiership title.

2007: February – Wins a second Carling Cup, beating Arsenal 2-1.

May – Wins FA Cup with extra-time defeat of Manchester United.

2008: June – Appointed Inter Milan boss.

August – Inter beat Roma to the Italian Supercup.

2009: May – Celebrates winning the Scudetto at the first attempt.

2010: May – leads Inter into Champions League final hoping to complete a treble following their domestic success in league and cup.