Jose Mourinho says he's waiting for the right job but is "full of fire" for a return to management.

He's been out of work since being sacked by Manchester United in December and admits it's been tough turning down jobs as he waits for the right opportunity.

The Portuguese manager is spending time in his home town of Setubal after turning down "a number" of offers from clubs earlier this year.

"This is basically the first time I have time to think, the first time I am in Setubal at the end of July or the beginning of August in more than 20 years," he told Sky Sports News.

"I miss my football, I have the fire, I have a compromise with myself, with people that love me, with so many fans that I have around the world, so many people that I inspired.

"The most difficult thing for me is saying 'no' to the possibilities.

"I had to work, because, inside of me, I always have that impulse of wanting to work. If I have an opportunity to work, I want to say 'let's work'. To say 'no' is very, very, very, very difficult.

"Why do I say 'no'? I say 'no' because it's not at the level of challenge that I want. But, with all respect to the possibilities I have had and the clubs involved, I want the right to choose the people who are 'Mourinhista' - like people say in Portugal, Spain and Italy - 'Mourinhista' is someone who is a fan.

"I have to be patient and wait for the right opportunity and the right opportunity is one that is at the same size and the same level that I am as a manager.

"It is the most difficult thing because I have the impulse during this period, so many times to say 'Yes, I go'. But no, I cannot go. I cannot go. I have to wait for the exact right one."

Mourinho also says international management still doesn't appeal to him as taking charge of a country isn't hands-on enough for him.

"Can be. But a national team job for me…one match per month? Lots of office. No Pitch. No matches. Wait two years for a European Championship. Wait two years for a World Cup....no. Still no!

"But, one day maybe, if not Portugal then another team because, when I go to Euros and World Cup, when I am there in the centre of the event I have the feeling that one day I want to do it.

"But then I think, not the job for me. But, maybe one day - and, if it is Portugal, I would be very proud indeed."