Jose Mourinho has no wish to end what he described as an "historic job" in English football, the Chelsea manager was quoted as saying on Thursday.

If he has to leave Stamford Bridge, however, he does not want to go straight to another English club, he told Spanish sports daily Marca in an interview.

"I've got a contract until 2010 and I want to carry on," said Mourinho, whom British media have reported has a deteriorating relationship with club owner Roman Abramovich that could prompt his departure.

"I've done a job that I think can be described as historic in these three years at Chelsea. This season has been the best of all because we have had to overcome some incredible problems.

"It's been unbelievable what we've suffered because of injury problems this season, and look what we're still managing to do."

Chelsea claimed a place in the semi-finals of the Champions League for the third time in four seasons after they became the first English side in 40 years to beat Valencia at the Mestalla earlier this week.

They are three points behind leaders Manchester United in the Premier League and also in the semi-finals of the FA Cup.

"I would consider myself very fortunate in the future if I ever found myself in a situation like the one I'm in now," said Mourinho. "It's impossible to have a better group and a better relationship with the fans.

CARRY ON

"I like the club a lot and that's why I want to carry on. But of course if I have to leave for some reason or because someone wants me to, well that's what happens in football.

"If I do leave I want to continue coaching next season in another European club. I like English football and I would like to manage another club in the Premiership, but not now.

"I wouldn't think of leaving Chelsea and going straight to another English club. It would be a very strange situation and I don't want it to happen."

The Portuguese coach refused to comment on his relationship with Abramovich.

"My work is with the players, we are the ones that win and lose the games. I don't want to talk about my relationship with Abramovich."

He also played down talk of a possible move to Real Madrid.

"If my name has been linked with Real Madrid, then I've done nothing to encourage it. I don't want my name to be linked with Real Madrid or any other club because I want to stay at Chelsea.

"All I have said before is that it would be an honour to coach Real and I say that out of respect for their great history."