Jose Mourinho 'not making comments' on Manchester United sacking
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Jose Mourinho was sacked by Manchester United's executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward on Tuesday
Jose Mourinho says he will not be talking about his departure from Manchester United out of the "deepest respect" for his former colleagues.
The Portuguese was sacked on Tuesday after two and a half years in charge.
United are sixth in the Premier League, 19 points behind leaders Liverpool.
"I have been immensely proud to wear the badge of Manchester United since the first day I arrived, and I believe all United fans recognise this," Mourinho said in a statement.
"Each time a chapter is closed, I show my deepest respect by not making any comments about my former colleagues."
Former United striker Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was named the club's caretaker manager until the end of the season on Wednesday.
Mourinho has gone back to his home in London, and the former Chelsea and Real Madrid boss has also asked the media to respect his privacy before he returns to football.
Speaking to Sky Sports News earlier on Wednesday, he said: "I was always very critical of managers that leave clubs and then they come out and they speak about the details of what happened, who is to blame.
"I could speak about the not-so-good, but that's not me.
"Until I get back to football, I feel I have the right to live my normal life.
"Manchester United has a future without me and I have a future without Manchester United."
Mourinho's statement in full
I have been immensely proud to wear the badge of Manchester United since the first day I arrived, and I believe all United supporters recognise this.
Just as was the case with my previous clubs, I have worked with some wonderful people and I believe that some will be my friends for life.
I know that you are all aware of my professional principles. Each time a chapter is closed I show my deepest respect and I don't make any comments about my former colleagues.
I hope the media will also respect my position and let me live my normal life until the moment I decide to return to football.
Merry Christmas.
Players react
United midfielder Jesse Lingard was the first player to post a message to Mourinho on social media.
"Thank you for the memories and wisdom," he wrote on Twitter.
Centre-back Eric Bailly said: "Whatever they may say, I will always be thankful to the person who gave me the chance to make my debut at Old Trafford.
"Thank you for what you have taught me. Good luck, coach."