Jose Mourinho has become the new manager of Tottenham despite saying back in 2015 that he could never manage the club out of respect for Chelsea.

The Portuguese, who managed Chelsea in two spells, was appointed as boss of their London rivals on Wednesday morning following the sacking of Mauricio Pochettino.

Ahead of Chelsea's League Cup final with Spurs at Wembley in March 2015, Mourinho said he had been approached by Spurs chairman Daniel Levy to take over at White Hart Lane in September 2007.

Jose Mourinho said back in 2015 that he could never manage Tottenham because his emotional attachment with Chelsea is too strong

Spurs chairman Daniel Levy had originally offered Mourinho the job in 2007, shortly after his first spell as Chelsea manager had come to an end

That was shortly after he ended his first spell in charge of Chelsea 'by mutual consent' after falling out with owner Roman Abramovich and the Stamford Bridge board.

But Mourinho said in 2015 that he could not manage Tottenham because his emotional attachment to Chelsea was so strong.

He had also reached an agreement with Chelsea that he would not manage another English club for two years.

Asked if he was approached in 2007 by Spurs, he said: 'Yes. I couldn't go. I couldn't train in England for two years.'

Mourinho made the comment shortly before Chelsea beat Spurs to win the 2015 League Cup

Four years later, Mourinho has now replaced Mauricio Pochettino as manager of Tottenham

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According to Mourinho, Tottenham tried to offer Chelsea compensation to break the clause preventing him from working in England but he also said: 'I would not take the job because I love Chelsea supporters too much.'

Now, despite managing Chelsea for a second spell between 2013 and 2015, Mourinho appears to have changed his tune and will begin working at their rivals in north London.

Indeed, he will take charge of Spurs against Chelsea in a Premier League showdown three days before Christmas.

Mourinho won three Premier League titles, the FA Cup and three League Cups during his two spells at Chelsea and Tottenham will be hoping he delivers them similar success.