Real Madrid manager José Mourinho has joked that he could be 80 years old before Manchester City’s long-running financial case reaches a final conclusion, expressing frustration at the lengthy legal process surrounding the Premier League club.

Mourinho made the remark during an interview with Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport on Thursday, saying he would rather approach the situation with humour than take the drawn-out proceedings too seriously.

“I’d rather have a bit of a laugh about it. Being in my 60s, I’ll have to be lucky enough still to be here when the final verdict arrives. Now a ruling will come, then an appeal… I’ll be 80!” he said.

The case centres on alleged financial rule breaches by Manchester City covering the period between 2009 and 2018. The club has challenged the findings and lodged an appeal, meaning the process could continue for some time.

Mourinho’s comments come amid continued attention on the case, which has raised questions about the club’s financial dealings and the possible consequences of the proceedings.

The Portuguese coach also spoke humorously about his relationship with former Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti, who currently leads Brazil’s national team.

Mourinho joked that he was tired of seeing Ancelotti’s photographs displayed throughout Real Madrid’s facilities.

“I told Carlo Ancelotti that I’m sick of him! Every day walking through the hallway at Real Madrid, there are photos of Carlo here, photos of Carlo there. I am fed up, come on!” he said.

He also recalled that Ancelotti had recently sought permission to visit Real Madrid’s Valdebebas training ground to see Brazilian players Vinícius Júnior, Rodrygo, Éder Militão and Endrick.

“I said: Carlo, are you crazy? But this is Carlo Ancelotti. A gentleman, a great guy,” Mourinho added.

The former Real Madrid manager also addressed his long-standing disagreements with referees, rejecting the suggestion that he was responsible for the repeated controversies surrounding his teams.

“To be fair, I don’t believe I am the problem,” he said. “I think the problem is bad luck… and arriving at certain times to certain clubs.”