Official: Real Madrid confirm Mourinho return | OneFootball

Mourinho returns to Madrid 13 years after departure [Getty Images]

Real Madrid confirmed the highly-anticipated appointment of José Mourinho as manager on Thursday evening, bringing the Portuguese back to the club 13 years after his departure.

Mourinho has signed a two-year contract at the Santiago Bernabeu, with president Florentino Perez instrumental in driving the decision to ensure a second stint for the Portuguese. Mourinho leaves Benfica after just nine months in charge, replaced by Marco Silva in Lisbon, while his exit will earn the Eagles a remarkable €15m in compensation.

A club statement released read:

“The Board of Directors of Real Madrid CF, meeting today Thursday, June 11, and chaired by Florentino Pérez, has agreed to appoint José Mourinho as first team coach for the next three seasons, until June 30, 2029. 

“José Mourinho will join Real Madrid on July 13, the day the preseason begins.” 

Mourinho’s first spell at Madrid lasted three years, commencing in 2010 after he arrived from Internazionale having secured the treble of Serie A, Coppa Italia and the elusive Champions League with the Nerazzurri. He left Madrid for a return to Chelsea in the Premier League in 2013.

Mourinho’s Real Madrid side won La Liga in 2012, setting a number of records along the way: most games won in a La Liga season (32), most away wins (16), highest points total of any ream in Europe’s major leagues (100), most goals scored (121) and f highest goal difference (+89).

Mourinho could soon be joined by a countryman in the Spanish capital, with Bernardo Silva strongly linked with a move to Real on a free transfer this summer.