Jose Mourinho has revealed he felt ‘immensely proud’ to wear the Manchester United badge.
He issued a statement to the media following his sacking as United manager on Tuesday.
He said: ‘I have been immensely proud to wear the badge of Manchester United since the first day I arrived, and I believe all United supporters recognise this.
‘Just as was the case with my previous clubs, I have worked with some wonderful people and I believe that some will be my friends for life.
‘I know that you are all aware of my professional principles. Each time a chapter is closed I show my deepest respect and I don’t make any comments about my former colleagues.
‘I hope the media will also respect my position and let me live my normal life until the moment I decide to return to football.
‘Merry Christmas.’
Mourinho was told the news on Tuesday following United’s 3-1 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield.
He is believed to have received a £22million pay-off.