Jose Mourinho has explained why he chose to live at the Lowry Hotel during his time as Manchester United manager.

The Portuguese was often criticised for not buying a property in Manchester.

But speaking ahead of his return to the city as Tottenham manager, Mourinho insists his living arrangements were necessary for his happiness.

"You know how I would be unhappy? I would be unhappy if I was in a house on my own," he said.

"I would have to clean, I don't want. I would have to iron, I don't know how to. I would have to cook, I would cook fried eggs and sausages. That's the only thing I can do.

"I would be very unhappy. I lived in an amazing apartment, it was not a room. It was mine all the time. It was not like after one week I had to leave.

"No, it was mine. I left everything there, I had my television, my books, my computer. It was a flat, with 'Bring me a caffe latte, please' or 'I don't want to go down for dinner, bring my dinner up'.

"I was watching football or doing work with one of my assistants and I would ask: 'Bring us food'.

"I had everything, if I was in an apartment alone it would be much more difficult. I was fine, more than fine."

Looking back on his time at Old Trafford, Mourinho insisted that he had no regrets.

"I learned and I think I am a better coach now than I was then," he added.