Jose Mourinho says goodbye to Benfica ahead of Real Madrid return | OneFootball

In the coming days, it is expected that Jose Mourinho will be officially confirmed as the next manager of Real Madrid. The Portuguese has had an agreement with Florentino Perez in place for weeks, but it could not be finalised due to the presidential election, which ended with a victory for the 79-year-old over the weekend.

Now that Perez’s continued presence as president has been assured, Real Madrid can press ahead with plans to bring in Mourinho. They have already confirmed the exit of predecessor Alvaro Arbeloa, whose continuity was never assured after a disappointing spell in charge from January to May.

Mourinho’s former club Benfica have also confirmed that will be joining Real Madrid, and as per Marca, he has now penned a statement to the Portuguese club, whom he leaves after nine months in charge at the Estadio da Luz.

“I thank the president, Rui Costa, for the opportunity he gave me to work at Benfica. Representing this club was an honour and a privilege. I also send a message of recognition to all Benfica professionals, whose professionalism, dedication and competence have been exemplary. To the players with whom I had the pleasure of working, my sincere thanks and wish for the greatest personal and professional growth. I take with me the conviction that, in more than one moment, we created a lasting relationship: better player one day, better player forever.”

How will Mourinho get on back at the Bernabeu?

Image via Angel Martinez/Getty Images

The return of Mourinho has been eagerly-anticipated by Real Madrid fans and personnel alike ever since it became clear that he was Perez’s preferred option to replace Arbeloa. His Bernabeu comeback comes at a time when a real leader is needed to turn things around after two dismal seasons in a row, so there is every chance that he is a success during his second tenure.