Jose Mourinho has played down suggestions he could replicate Manchester United predecessor Alex Ferguson at Roma, and become the club's long-term supremo - though he added that he "loves" being at Stadio Olimpico.
The veteran Portuguese boss has the chance to pick up silverware in his first season in charge next week when he takes his side to face Feyenoord in the maiden Europa Conference League final.
Following his exit from Tottenham last term, the former Chelsea, Inter and Real Madrid manager looks to be getting back to his idiosyncratic best - but asked whether he could maintain a tenure like Ferguson's in Rome, his answer was less affirmative.
What did Mourinho say on replicating Ferguson?
"Ferguson remained at [Man United] for more than 20 years," Mourinho told a press conference. “I should remain here until 79?! Maybe I could stay until I turn 70.
"I understand the question, I love being here and I think you can see that. I’ve accepted a three-year project, let’s see what will happen then. I am not thinking about leaving before the end of my contract, but let’s see how the project shapes.
"Sometimes it’s similar to what one imagines, sometimes it’s different. The present is the only thing that matters in football and I want to stay here. That’s the best way to answer the question."
What is Mourinho's record against Ferguson?
With the chance to add more silverware to his decorated cabinet looming, Mourinho could increase his honour haul in the managerial hot seat to an impressive 26 trophies across his career.
That is by no means a poor feat - but it is a mark of Ferguson's dominance with United that the Portuguese does not even come close to the 38 honours won at Old Trafford alone by the Scotsman.
That does not include the slate of major honours with Aberdeen before he joined the Red Devils, with Ferguson's collection of winners' medals as a manager exceeding virtually all others in the field.
