Inter Milan president Massimo Moratti defended Jose Mourinho over an attempted jibe. Mourinho engaged in a 'friendly' discussion with journalists during Tuesday's Press conference when a member of the media said he'd provide Mourinho's line-up if he earned the same 9m Euro wages.

"I don't earn 9m, it's 11m plus sponsorship deals makes 14m," replied the Portuguese tactician.

Today the club released a statement confirming Mourinho earns "much less than that" and explained it was a joke.

"It was a poorly executed joke," said President Moratti on Sky Italia before tonight's Champions League tie with Werder Bremen.

"He did it with such a straight face that it raised doubts in everybody. It was a joke, but this type of comment at a time like this doesn't go down terribly well."

It was considered by many not only arrogant, but also offensive in a week when financial markets are crumbling and people fear a global recession.

"He didn't want to hurt anyone, but the joke didn't come out very well. The important thing is not to fall into the trap of controversy, as otherwise it could go on ad infinitum.

"I think that now, slowly, everything will go back to normal."