Jose Mourinho starts life after Chelsea in the Championship supporting friend Aitor Karanka's Middlesbrough at Brighton

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Jose Mourinho was in high spirits just three days after his Chelsea sacking as he attended Middlesbrough’s win against Brighton.

The former Chelsea boss was sat in the stands at the Amex Stadium as a guest of his good friend Aitor Karanka, who was his No 2 at Real Madrid for three years.

Mourinho went into Boro’s changing room after the game to congratulate Karanka and his players for their 3-0 win. He also spent time speaking to Brighton manager Chris Hughton. 

Jose Mourinho talks on the phone in the stands at the Amex Stadium watching Brighton host Middlesbrough

Mourinho, who was sacked by Chelsea on Thursday, has immediately return to the game as a spectator

Mourinho reacts during a conversation in the stands as he checks out Aitor Karank's Middlesbrough

Mourinho told Karanka on Thursday, shortly after his sacking, that he would travel to Brighton for the match. The Middlesbrough boss kept it secret from his players. ‘He brought us luck,’ Karanka said.

‘He was in the changing room with us [after the game]. He said congratulations. He told us that he’s watched a really good team. He knows our team because he follows us a lot, but he was impressed because we were really organised.’ 

Asked if he would tempt Mourinho to join his coaching staff, Karanka replied: ‘I don’t have the money enough and I don’t have a lot of things to bring him. He was the best, he is the best and he will be the best.’

Hughton added: ’Jose was fine. He was very well looked after here. He certainly enjoyed the game and is very good friends with Aitor, hence the reason he was here. It was good for him to see me afterwards. He spoke about the run we’ve been on and how tough that is. He knows the Championship and he knows how tough that is. He just wished us all the best. I hope to see him back in the game very soon.’

Mourinho was mobbed by supporters after the game who waited outside his car. The Bentley had to be flanked by stewards as he departed the stadium quickly, got in the back and was whisked away by a driver. 

The 52-year-old broke his silence on his second Chelsea sacking earlier on Saturday, insisting he could take another managerial job immediately, dismissing any need for a sabbatical.

Mourinho oversaw his final training session as Chelsea manager on Thursday, before being sacked again

Mourinho claimed that, for the second time, Chelsea are the only club that have decided to sack him

Chelsea had claimed that his departure was by mutual consent but Mourinho, via his agents CAA Sports, said this is the first time a club has decided he should be axed.

‘He is immensely proud of his eight trophies at Chelsea, and thanks the fans for all their support throughout his two spells at the club,’ said Mourinho’s statement.

‘Because of his love of football, you will see Jose at football grounds working and supporting friends.

Fans continue to support Jose Mourinho at Stamford Bridge on Saturday with many like this banner

‘During his career, Jose has sometimes chosen to leave a club, but only at Chelsea has the club decided that he should leave.

‘Each time represents for him the end of a cycle, and the opportunity to start a new one. Jose hopes that his future after Chelsea this time will be as successful as when he left the club in 2007.

‘He will not be taking a sabbatical, he isn’t tired, he doesn’t need it, he is very positive, and is already looking forward.’  

Steve Holland will take charge of the game at Stamford Bridge following the sacking of Jose Mourinho (right)