Mourinho formally unveiled by Real Madrid behind closed doors
MADRID: Jose Mourinho’s Real Madrid return had already been underway for several weeks, but on Tuesday the club made it official with an understated ceremony at their training centre for a second coming loaded with nostalgia, risk and unfinished business. The Portuguese manager, who began work with the squad when pre-season started on July 10, signed a contract until June 2029 in the boardroom of…
Real Madrid officially announced Jose Mourinho's return to the club on Tuesday, as they welcomed him back in a private ceremony at their training facility. The 66-year-old Portuguese manager, who began his work with the team on July 10, signed a contract extension until June 2029 alongside club president Florentino Perez and honorary president Jose Martinez Pirri.
The subdued gathering underscored the club's preference for a low-key approach, especially with the team facing a challenging new LaLiga season after going trophyless for two consecutive years.
Mourinho framed his return as a deeply personal journey, describing it as "coming home" and emphasizing the emotional significance of the moment. He reflected on how the experience now feels more heartfelt than when he first managed the club, when their goal was to reach the pinnacle of world football. "I'm one of you; I always have been, and you can imagine what it means to me to work for Real Madrid.
This is a maxim that everyone must follow: working for Real Madrid, which means working for you," Mourinho told the club's official television channel.
This is Mourinho's second stint with Real Madrid, having previously managed the club from 2010 to 2013. During that period, he won LaLiga, the Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Super Cup, leaving an indelible mark on the club. Now, he returns to Benfica, his current team, after Perez's recent transfer window saw the arrival of several high-profile signings, including Yan Diomande, Marc Cucurella, Bernardo Silva, Ibrahima Konate, Denzel Dumfries, and Carlos Espi. A long-term contract extension was also granted to winger Vinicius Jr.
The signings are expected to be unveiled privately in the coming days, following the same closed-door protocol used for Mourinho's announcement. This approach reflects Real Madrid's desire to maintain a sense of control and secrecy ahead of their LaLiga opener against Espanyol in Barcelona on Saturday. Mourinho acknowledged the enormity of his task, stating, "Words aren't enough… because it's like a mission."
He emphasized his commitment to helping the team improve, focusing on building a culture of hard work, responsibility, ambition, and the honor of serving Real Madrid.
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