England assistant manager Terry Venables believes Chelsea have "got a cheek" if, as has been reported, they have blocked Jose Mourinho from taking another job in this country for a year.
It has been claimed that part of Mourinho's settlement with the Blues following his departure by mutual consent earlier this week was an agreement not to join one of their Premier League rivals within 12 months.
Confidentiality agreements prevent Mourinho or Chelsea confirming this, but former Chelsea player Venables believes it is a clear sign the Blues fear the Portuguese could be a huge success elsewhere.
"If Chelsea insist that Jose Mourinho cannot take another job in the Premier League until next season I think they have got a cheek," Venables told The Sun.
"They either wanted him as their manager or they didn't. If they are happy tosee him go then he should be left to get on with his life and take any job he wants.
"It seems ridiculous that they can still be controlling him. And it also says to me that they know he was a good manager."
Mourinho claimed last night he wanted to manage in England in the future, but said his next move would be overseas.
"I don't want (a job in England) in my next step. I don't want to leave Chelsea's and go immediately to another door. I think my next step must be another country, must be another experience, another football.
"But I am 44, I hope I have many years in front of me. I love English football and I don't change a single word I've said before."
Mourinho ruled out a role working with the Portuguese national team.
