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Mourinho extends Inter contract extra year

(China Daily)
Updated: 2009-05-27 14:32

MILAN: Jose Mourinho extended his contract as manager of Serie A champions Inter Milan by a year until 2012 on Monday.

Inter Milan coach Jose Mourinho watches their Italian Serie A soccer match against Udinese in Udine April 5, 2009. [Agencies]

The Portuguese, who led Inter to their fourth straight title in his first season in charge, alarmed supporters by saying he was only 99 percent certain to stay amid reported interest from Real Madrid.

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"In response to the wish of the coach to continue the project started together a year ago, a wish welcomed with pleasure by the club as a sign of attachment and winning spirit, Inter announce the extension of Jose Mourinho's contract until June 30, 2012," a club statement read.

The former Chelsea coach said on Saturday that "little things" were needed to make him stay at the San Siro.

He is keen to reinforce his squad in a bid to challenge for the Champions League next season after Inter again flopped this term when they lost to Manchester United in the first knockout round.

Genoa striker Diego Milito and midfielder Thiago Motta are poised to join Inter in the close-season transfer window and other signings may follow.

Reuters