Benfica have officially confirmed that José Mourinho will leave the Portuguese giants to take over as Real Madrid head coach in a deal worth €15 million, bringing an end to months of speculation surrounding the veteran manager’s future.
The Primeira Liga club announced that Real Madrid had formalised their intention to appoint Mourinho and that the Portuguese tactician had agreed to the move. Benfica also disclosed that the Spanish club would pay €15 million in compensation to secure his release.
Mourinho’s appointment marks a dramatic return to the Santiago Bernabéu, where he previously managed between 2010 and 2013, overseeing one of the most successful periods in the club’s recent history.
The 63-year-old was the preferred choice of Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez, who secured re-election earlier this week and will remain in office until 2030. Pérez is believed to have identified Mourinho as the ideal figure to restore the club’s dominance after a disappointing two-year trophy drought.
Real Madrid also confirmed the departure of Álvaro Arbeloa, who had served as interim manager since January following Xabi Alonso’s move to Chelsea.
During his first spell in Madrid, Mourinho guided Los Blancos to the 2011/12 La Liga title, accumulating a then-record 100 points and breaking Barcelona’s domestic dominance. He also won the Copa del Rey and helped lay the foundations for Madrid’s subsequent European success.
Mourinho arrives at a club desperate for silverware after finishing behind Barcelona in domestic competitions for two consecutive seasons. Their hopes of European glory were also dashed this year following a UEFA Champions League quarter-final exit to Bayern Munich.
Despite Benfica narrowly missing out on the league title, Mourinho enjoyed a strong campaign in Lisbon, leading the Eagles through an unbeaten league season. However, 11 draws proved costly as Sporting CP and eventual champions FC Porto finished above them.
Meanwhile, Benfica have wasted little time in naming Mourinho’s successor, appointing Portuguese coach Marco Silva on a two-year contract with an option for a further year.
Silva joins after ending a successful five-year spell at Fulham, where he guided the club back to the Premier League as Championship champions before establishing them as a consistent top-flight side.
Benfica officials believe Silva’s experience and progressive style of football make him the ideal candidate to continue the club’s pursuit of domestic and European success.
Benfica have officially confirmed that José Mourinho will leave the Portuguese giants to take over as Real Madrid head coach in a deal worth €15 million, bringing an end to months of speculation surrounding the veteran manager’s future.
The Primeira Liga club announced that Real Madrid had formalised their intention to appoint Mourinho and that the Portuguese tactician had agreed to the move. Benfica also disclosed that the Spanish club would pay €15 million in compensation to secure his release.
Mourinho’s appointment marks a dramatic return to the Santiago Bernabéu, where he previously managed between 2010 and 2013, overseeing one of the most successful periods in the club’s recent history.
The 63-year-old was the preferred choice of Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez, who secured re-election earlier this week and will remain in office until 2030. Pérez is believed to have identified Mourinho as the ideal figure to restore the club’s dominance after a disappointing two-year trophy drought.
Real Madrid also confirmed the departure of Álvaro Arbeloa, who had served as interim manager since January following Xabi Alonso’s move to Chelsea.
During his first spell in Madrid, Mourinho guided Los Blancos to the 2011/12 La Liga title, accumulating a then-record 100 points and breaking Barcelona’s domestic dominance. He also won the Copa del Rey and helped lay the foundations for Madrid’s subsequent European success.
Mourinho arrives at a club desperate for silverware after finishing behind Barcelona in domestic competitions for two consecutive seasons. Their hopes of European glory were also dashed this year following a UEFA Champions League quarter-final exit to Bayern Munich.
Despite Benfica narrowly missing out on the league title, Mourinho enjoyed a strong campaign in Lisbon, leading the Eagles through an unbeaten league season. However, 11 draws proved costly as Sporting CP and eventual champions FC Porto finished above them.
Meanwhile, Benfica have wasted little time in naming Mourinho’s successor, appointing Portuguese coach Marco Silva on a two-year contract with an option for a further year.
Silva joins after ending a successful five-year spell at Fulham, where he guided the club back to the Premier League as Championship champions before establishing them as a consistent top-flight side.
Benfica officials believe Silva’s experience and progressive style of football make him the ideal candidate to continue the club’s pursuit of domestic and European success.
