Benfica confirm Marco Silva arrival as José Mourinho departs for Real Madrid amid fan anger at Rui Costa | OneFootball

Benfica said in a statement that it has agreed terms with Marco Silva to take charge of the first team. The club added that Real Madrid have moved for José Mourinho by triggering his €15 million release clause.

Silva, 48, has signed a contract running to the end of the 2027/28 season, with an option to extend until June 2029. The announcement came minutes after Benfica confirmed Mourinho’s departure for Real Madrid.

It marks Silva’s return to Portuguese football after spells abroad with Olympiacos, Hull City, Watford, Everton and Fulham. In Portugal he previously managed Estoril and Sporting, lifting the Taça de Portugal in 2015.

Despite the swift appointment, many Benfica supporters voiced anger towards Mourinho on social media. Posts expressed relief at his exit, with some saying he had delivered nothing and referring to another disastrous season.

Rui Costa also faced heavy criticism, with fans asking why the president had yet to address members. Several argued that the identity of the new coach was irrelevant while Rui Costa remained in post.

Source: Glorioso 1904