
Jose Mourinho has joked about Manchester City's legal battle with the Premier League, questioning when the financial irregularities case weighing on the English club will end.
The Real Madrid coach, in an interview with the Italian newspaper "Corriere dello Sport", said that he prefers to take this situation with humor, predicting that the process could last for many more years.
"I would rather laugh about it a little. I think we will reach a conclusion, but, being in my sixties, I will have to be lucky enough to still be here when the final decision comes. Now there will be a decision, then an appeal... I will be 80 years old," said the Portuguese.
Manchester City have been found guilty by an independent commission of serious breaches of Premier League financial rules between 2009 and 2018, as well as most charges relating to non-cooperation during the investigation.
The club has denied wrongdoing and has appealed the decision, insisting it is innocent.
The case has particular significance for Mourinho, as Manchester United, which he managed in the 2017-18 season, finished second to Pep Guardiola's side. That season, City won the title with 100 points, setting a Premier League record.
Mourinho had previously teased the possibility of Manchester United taking advantage of a potential punishment from their city rivals, jokingly claiming they could take home a winner's medal.
However, no final decision has been made on whether Manchester City will be stripped of their titles or face any sporting punishment. The appeal is expected to further prolong a process that has rocked English football.