Inter Milan boss Jose Mourinho was surprised by claims from Patrick Vieira that he wants to leave in January. The French midfielder feels a lack of first-team opportunities at the Serie A giants will force him to look elsewhere in the New Year - which has alerted the interest of Tottenham and former club Arsenal.

"Vieira has played 283 minutes since the start of the season," said the Portuguese coach.

"He has played in six games, three of them from the start and three entering as a substitute.

"I understand that everyone would like to play more, but that is life. He has played more than (Sulley) Muntari, (Esteban) Cambiasso, (Wesley) Sneijder and only slightly less than (Javier) Zanetti, who always plays."