Mourinho was a target for the Citizens but Manchester United interest stopped things.
Before Manchester City appointed Roberto Mancini as manager in 2009 the club approached current Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho, according to the Mirror.
At the time Mourinho was at Inter Milan after succeeding Mancini, but City cooled their interest in the Portuguese coach because they believed he had his heart set on Manchester United.
As it was the Italian took charge and spent four years with the Citizens, in which time 49-year-old guided them to an FA Cup triumph in 2011 and a maiden Premier League title in 2012.
Mourinho of course went onto spend three years with Real Madrid after winning the treble of Serie A, Coppa Italia and Champions League with Inter in 2010.
The 51-year-old left the Santiago Bernabeu at the end of the 2012/13 season and with Sir Alex Ferguson announcing his retirement as United boss after 26-and-a-half years in charge, many thought the former Madrid man would take the reigns.
Yet there were some question marks over Mourinho’s character from within Old Trafford – most notably club legend and current director Sir Bobby Charlton – and the Red Devils eventually went for David Moyes.
As for City, they grew in stature under Mancini’s guidance and the ex-Inter man formed a great rapport with the fans at the Etihad Stadium.
When the former Italy international was axed last summer there was some disillusionment around the club, although Manuel Pellegrini has done a solid job since taking over.
As for Mourinho, after missing out on the United position he returned to Stamford Bridge following a six year absence and his side currently top the table after 25 matches.
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