Jose Mourinho was reportedly forced to accept Gareth Bale's return to Tottenham Hotspur against his wishes during his time in charge.

After a tumultuous 17 months at the helm, Mourinho was relieved of his duties by Spurs on Monday morning, just hours after Tottenham announced their involvement in the new European Super League.

While performances on the pitch are believed to have directly contributed to the 58-year-old's downfall, there were supposedly some tense relations with Daniel Levy over the loan signing of Bale from Real Madrid.

According to The Telegraph, Mourinho did not wish to bring Bale back to Tottenham, but Levy insisted that the recently-axed Spurs manager accept the Wales international into his squad.

Bale has managed five goals and two assists in the Premier League this season, but he has only appeared in 14 top-flight matches and started just six of them under Mourinho.

Spurs begin life without the Portuguese boss against Southampton on Wednesday before Sunday's EFL Cup final against Manchester City.