Mourinho makes long-awaited return to Real Madrid

TDT | Manama

Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com

Real Madrid have appointed Jose Mourinho as their new manager on a three-year contract, confirming the Portuguese coach’s return to the Spanish giants 13 years after his first departure from the club. The announcement was made in an official statement yesterday, with the 63-year-old set to begin his second spell in charge when preseason begins on July 13.

Mourinho’s comeback follows Florentino Perez’s re-election as Real Madrid president this week, a move that effectively paved the way for his return to the Santiago Bernabeu. Speaking after securing another term, Perez said: “We have won the elections and will continue working to keep winning titles,” while also describing the Bernabeu as “the best stadium in the world.”

He also welcomed the appointment, saying: “Proud to have the best players in the world, proud to welcome back one of the best coaches in the world, a Madridista like Jose Mourinho.” The move comes after a challenging season for Real Madrid, with Barcelona clinching the La Liga title following a 2–0 El Clasico victory last month.

Mourinho leaves Benfica to rejoin Madrid, where he previously managed from 2010 to 2013, winning La Liga, the Copa del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup during a fierce rivalry with Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona. The return follows two trophyless seasons for the club, which have also seen them fall short of the Champions League semi-finals in the past two campaigns. Perez added: “We will continue working so that Real Madrid keeps winning titles,” and vowed, “We will fight until the end to achieve the 16th European Cup.”