But the outspoken Portuguese, who has been out of football since he left Chelsea nine months ago, insisted he was still "a great coach".
Mourinho, 45, has replaced Roberto Mancini at the helm of the three-time defending champions Inter.
"I am Mourinho - period," he said at his introductory press conference at Inter's training ground.
"I have arrived to a special club and I believe I am a great coach but I don't want to be special."
Mourinho claims he will not have a different approach in Serie A.
He said: "I don't change - I am the same person as I was before, with the same mission and the same passion for my work.
"I have always believed that I would like to work in Italy and at a great club.
"I want to thank (Inter president) Massimo Moratti and (sporting director) Marco Branca that have given me this opportunity.
"For me this is a very important challenge but I believe that it could be very enjoyable also for you (the media)."
Mourinho also praised Roberto Mancini's work.
"I need to start a new cycle after that of Mancini, who I consider a great coach, but I am a different tactician," he said.
"I want to change the football philosophy of the team, this is my challenge.
"Moratti has asked me to be myself and to be Mourinho means to work in harmony with players, with the club and with the fans."