Jose Mourinho has claimed that he had to join Real Madrid in order to prove to himself that he was one of the best coaches in the world.

The 49-year-old, who left Inter Milan to take charge of Madrid in 2010, has been linked with a move away from the Santiago Bernabeu at the end of the season.

"I felt fine at Inter, but I thought I had to coach Real Madrid at some point in my career in order to feel I was at one of the greats," Mourinho told reporters.

"There are many positive aspects to the experience so far and some negative, like in everything else in life, but the experience has been unforgettable and fantastic, and it is allowing me to be better at what I do."

Madrid, who currently hold a 10-point lead over Barcelona at the top of the Primera Division table, travel to Real Betis on Saturday evening.