Official: José Mourinho returns to Real Madrid

Mourinho, who was in the coaching bench at Benfica this season, had already coached the Madrilenians between 2010 and 2013. He won the Spanish Cup in 2011 and the championship in 2012. Benfica had previously announced the Portuguese’s move to Real Madrid via the X platform. According to the Portuguese, the Whites will pay 15 million euros for Mourinho’s move.

Real President Florentino Pérez is considered a big supporter of Mourinho, whose contract at Benfica would have run for another year. However, the coach had an exit clause. “The Special One” missed out on the championship with Benfica this season.

The 63-year-old succeeds Alvaro Arbeloa in Madrid, who was unable to lead Los Blancos back on the road to success and ultimately remained without a title. In the premier class, the capital club failed in the quarter-finals against Bayern Munich, and in the championship they were again left behind against arch-rivals FC Barcelona. Real started the season with former Leverkusen champion coach Xabi Alonso, but after six months Alonso had to leave. Differences with star players such as the eccentric Vinícius Junior were repeatedly reported.