Real Madrid have appointed José Mourinho as head coach for a second spell at the club after confirming the departure of Álvaro Arbeloa.
The Spanish giants announced on Thursday that Mourinho has signed a three-year contract at the Santiago Bernabéu, returning 13 years after the end of his first tenure in charge.
Mourinho, 63, arrives from Benfica after Real Madrid agreed to pay the €15 million compensation clause required to release him from his contract with the Portuguese side. Benfica confirmed the agreement on Wednesday.
The appointment fulfills a key campaign promise made by Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez, who secured reelection last weekend. Pérez had pledged to bring Mourinho back to the club, alongside pursuing defensive reinforcements Ibrahima Konaté and Denzel Dumfries, and making a €150 million bid for a marquee signing.
Madrid have already acted on the latter promise, submitting a €150m offer for Atlético Madrid striker Julián Álvarez earlier this week, although the proposal was rejected by their city rivals.
Mourinho’s immediate task will be to restore Real Madrid’s fortunes following successive trophyless seasons under Carlo Ancelotti, Xabi Alonso and, most recently, Arbeloa.
During his first spell between 2010 and 2013, Mourinho guided Madrid to a LaLiga title, a Copa del Rey and a Supercopa de España, while also leading the club to three consecutive Champions League semifinals.
Since leaving Madrid, the Portuguese manager has taken charge of Chelsea, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, Roma, Fenerbahçe and Benfica. His most recent trophy came with Roma in the UEFA Europa Conference League four years ago, while his last league title was won with Chelsea in 2015.
Mourinho’s Benfica side went unbeaten in the Portuguese league last season but finished third behind Porto and Sporting. They were also knocked out of the Champions League by Real Madrid in the knockout phase playoffs.
Oluwagbemisola Babalola
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