Leicester chairman Mandaric dismisses Portsmouth return

Mandaric has overseen a promotion and relegation at the Walkers Stadium

Leicester City chairman Milan Mandaric has all but ruled himself out of a return to former club Portsmouth.

Last month Mandaric told BBC Sport there was a chance he would go back to the club where he spent eight years as chairman before selling up in 2006.

Mandaric, 72, said: "Portsmouth should take care of their own problems now.

"I don't think I can meet the expectations of the great supporters over there that I love so much and my own expectations if I go back."

He added: "So for that reason I'm ruling myself almost out of that."

Eventually I will end up somewhere in football whether you like it or not - you can't get rid of me that soon Milan Mandaric

But Mandaric insists he will return to a football club somewhere in the country whenever Leicester's new Thai owners decide his services are no longer required at the Walkers Stadium.

"I've been here for 11 years and I love the game. I'm not here for business or making money," he said.

"I intend to stay here, I love the country and I love the game. One day when my owners (at Leicester) say 'chairman, we don't need you any more you can go', then I'll still be in football somewhere.

"Eventually I will end up somewhere in football whether you like it or not - you can't get rid of me that soon."

The Foxes hope the takeover will be ratified by the Football League later this week.

And Serbian-American businessman Mandaric meanwhile insists he will not necessarily leave as soon as the takeover is complete.

"I will walk away when I see I am not needed here at all, and when my owners fire me," he added.

"I'll be here until everything is done and everything is smooth. We have a great relationship here."