Jose Mourinho departs Benfica for Real Madrid

Jose Mourinho will be officially confirmed as Real Madrid's next manager in the coming days. He has held an agreement with club president Florentino Perez for weeks, but the presidential election, which ended with a victory for the 79‑year‑old over the weekend, delayed finalisation. With Perez's continued presidency now assured, Real Madrid have moved forward with plans to appoint Mourinho. The club have already confirmed the exit of predecessor Alvaro Arbeloa, whose continuity was never assured after a disappointing spell from January to May. Benfica have confirmed Mourinho's departure after nine months in charge at the Estadio da Luz and his move to Real Madrid. In a statement he thanked president Rui Costa for the opportunity, praised the club's professionals and expressed gratitude to the players for their dedication. Mourinho's return to the Bernabeu has been eagerly anticipated by Real Madrid fans and personnel since it became clear he was Perez's preferred option to replace Arbeloa. The comeback arrives as the club seeks a leader to reverse two consecutive dismal seasons, giving Mourinho a chance to succeed in his second tenure.