Jose Mourinho could finally get to coach 'dream' player if 2007 prediction comes true

The year is 2007. Chelsea are on their pre-season tour of America and Jose Mourinho is looking ahead. "When I am at the end of my career as a coach... I would love it," he said.

The self-proclaimed 'Special One' was clearly inspired by what he was witnessing in the US, as David Beckham swapped Madrid for LA in one of the most influential transfers of all time.

Beckham would transform the landscape of 'soccer' in America.

But many initially questioned the decision. He'd spent the past 15 years playing against Europe's elite, so when he packed his bags for a league that was barely a decade old, people raised eyebrows.

But not Mourinho. In fact, the Portuguese manager admitted he would "love" to follow in the footsteps of Beckham and end his career in America.

"I am tempted. In 20 years' time, yes, I would love to come," he said. "Beckham is at the end of his career as a player and when I am at the end of my career as a coach I would love it."

Mourinho added: "The country is amazing and I think it is a big challenge to help soccer to become more important in this country."

Mourinho has previously revealed his desire to manage in the MLS. Image credit: Getty

More than 18 years later and Mourinho is a free agent after being sacked by Turkish Super Lig side Fenerbahce.

He is already being linked with a return to the Premier League, with West Ham coming in as favourites to hire the former Manchester United and Chelsea manager at 15/8 following their poor start to the campaign.

But what about Major League Soccer? Mourinho is currently priced at 10/1 with Bet365 to join an MLS club.

Inter Miami could well be an option. Beckham, who is co-owner of the club, has been highly complimentary of Mourinho in the past, and memorably backed him to be a success at Manchester United.

If that move did materialise, then Mourinho would finally get to manage Lionel Messi.

On numerous occasions in the past, the 62-year-old has been asked to name the one player he wished he could have signed. “One in particular? I don’t have a player I can tell you," he told YouTuber OHM last year.

"Messi has never needed a coach. Who tells you, ‘I coached Messi’? It is absurd to think you could coach him, because he was born with everything and already knows everything."

Mourinho added: "He might teach you some things. All you could say is that you had the honour of having him in your squad."

In fact, when he was recently asked by Sporty Net to name the player who has helped him grow the most, Mourinho said: "Messi, because every time I played against him he forced me to think a lot.”

Jose Mourinho gives his take on the GOAT debate

In that same interview with Sporty Net, Mourinho was asked to share his thoughts on the GOAT debate. It didn't go down well.

"I think it's unfair, and when I hear someone say it, I feel something I don't like," he said.

"The younger generations know, but they don't know Pelé, Eusébio, or [Franz] Beckenbauer in depth, and then compare their football to today's and today's conditions. There are even some slightly comical details. 40 years ago, when it rained, the ball weighed 10 kilos, now it flies."