Former Porto star Pedro Emanuel says football needs Jose Mourinho back in work.

Mourinho has been available since being sacked by Manchester United in December.

Emanuel played for Mourinho at Porto and is now coach of Almeria.

He said, "Mourinho impressed me a lot and so did his football. He is a special person, a coach who has taught me a lot in my career and I hope he will return to the bench quickly because this sport needs Mourinho.

"My relationship with him, although we have not spoken in recent times, is of utmost respect. During my stage as a player and coach I hold a lot of respect and admiration for him. I can only say good things about Mourinho.

"He was important because he changed mindsets and the way we looked at the game for the last 15 years, so he struck me."