Real Madrid have officially confirmed the return of Jose Mourinho as their manager, ending a 13-year absence from the club. The 63-year-old Portuguese tactician has signed a three-year contract, leaving Benfica where he had an unbeaten league season that only secured third place in Portugal.
Mourinho's challenging return to the Bernabeu
Mourinho's appointment comes after a difficult campaign for Real Madrid, which saw Xabi Alonso sacked in January amid player unrest. Interim coach Alvaro Arbeloa failed to turn things around, as Real exited the Champions League at the quarter-final stage to Bayern Munich and Barcelona cruised to the La Liga title. Internal discord persisted, with Fede Valverde requiring hospital treatment for stitches after a clash with teammate Aurelien Tchouameni.
Club president Florentino Perez, re-elected last Sunday, targeted Mourinho to restore order and success. Mourinho previously led Real to La Liga glory in 2011-12 and the Copa del Rey in 2010-11. His early career saw Champions League triumphs with Porto and Inter, plus three Premier League titles across two Chelsea stints.
Benfica compensation and Marco Silva appointment
Mourinho returned to Benfica last September, guiding them to an unbeaten league season but only third place. He also had recent spells at Fenerbahce and Roma. Real Madrid stated he will officially start on July 13, when pre-season training begins.
Benfica announced they will receive €15 million (£13 million) in compensation from Madrid. An agreement has been reached for Marco Silva to take over on a two-year deal with an option for an extra season. Silva left Fulham last week after five years.
