Real Madrid have confirmed José Mourinho’s blockbuster return as manager, 13 years after he left the club. The 63-year-old joins from Benfica on a three-year contract, with Marco Silva set to replace him at the Portuguese club.
Mourinho’s appointment
Mourinho, who managed Real Madrid from 2010 to 2013, returns to the Bernabéu after a turbulent season for the Spanish giants. Xabi Alonso was sacked in January amid player unrest, and interim coach Álvaro Arbeloa failed to turn the campaign around. Real Madrid exited the Champions League at the quarter-final stage to Bayern Munich, while Barcelona cruised to the La Liga title. Disharmony persisted in the squad, with Fede Valverde requiring hospital stitches after a confrontation with teammate Aurélien Tchouaméni.
Florentino Pérez, re-elected as president last Sunday, targeted Mourinho to restore order and success. Mourinho previously won La Liga in the 2011-12 season and the Copa del Rey in 2010-11. He has also won the Champions League with Porto and Inter, and three Premier League titles across two spells at Chelsea.
Benfica departure and compensation
Mourinho returned to Benfica last September, where he started his managerial career, and led them to an unbeaten league season—but only third place. He has also managed Fenerbahce and Roma in recent years. Real Madrid announced he will officially start on 13 July, when pre-season begins.
Benfica confirmed they will receive €15m (£13m) in compensation from Madrid. An agreement has been reached for Marco Silva to take over at Benfica on a two-year deal with an option to extend for a season. Silva left Fulham last week after five years.
