Neville reveals Mourinho talks

The 32-year-old has made more than 130 league appearances for the Toffees since joining the Goodison Park outfit from Manchester United in 2005, and scored in the penalty shootout against his former employers on Sunday to send them crashing out of the FA Cup at Wembley.

And Neville, who has played 59 times for his country, says he is keen to swap the pitch for the dugout once his playing days eventually come to an end.

“I don’t think I have ever been as certain about one thing in my life, than me wanting to be a coach or manager,” he told BBC Radio 5 live.

And the Toffees' midfielder added that he picked up some valuable advice from Inter Milan chief Mourinho on the key to becoming a successful coach, although the timing of the unplanned meeting could have been a little better.

“It was probably one of the most fascinating experiences of my whole life," he said.

“Speaking to someone I hold in the highest esteem, it was just a chance meeting, and at the time it got me into a little bit of trouble because it was just before they were playing Manchester United.

"Everyone thought I was giving United’s secrets away but it wasn’t like that at all.

“I met him in a hotel and I managed to speak to him about coaching, management, players. One thing it did confirm to me, that there is no magic formula to management but its simplicity. As long as you keep it simple that’s the biggest thing I learnt from him.

“After an hour and a half he must have thought he was on mastermind because I asked him so many questions and he was so open, and that’s what I found so fascinating.”

EVERTON FANS! Check FourFourTwo.com’s ever-expandinginterviews archivefor more stuff to read:
Perfect XI Graeme Sharp
What Happened Next? Norman Whiteside

Plus Graeme Sharp on Weekend Wonders and Everton on Talentspotter

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Gregg Davies

Gregg Davies is the Chief Sub Editor of FourFourTwo magazine, joining the team in January 2008 and spending seven years working on the website. He supports non-league behemoths Hereford and commentates on Bulls matches for Radio Hereford FC. His passions include chocolate hobnobs and attempting to shoehorn Ronnie Radford into any office conversation.