Jose Mourinho denies Real Madrid return rumours despite Perez interest
Jose Mourinho has firmly denied holding any discussions with Real Madrid regarding a return to the Spanish club this summer, insisting his focus remains entirely on fulfilling his current contract with Benfica.
The Portuguese manager is highly coveted by Real president Florentino Perez, who is reportedly pushing to bring the 63-year-old back to the Bernabeu.
Speculation has mounted in recent weeks as the Spanish giants prepare to replace current head coach Alvaro Arbeloa at the end of the season.
Arbeloa was promoted from his under-21s role mid-campaign following the dismissal of Xabi Alonso, but results have continually failed to improve.
Struggles at the Bernabeu
Los Blancos currently trail bitter rivals Barcelona by 11 points at the summit of La Liga.
Their turbulent domestic season was further compounded by a disappointing Champions League quarter-final exit at the hands of Bayern Munich.
Addressing the mounting rumours on Friday, the two-time Champions League-winning coach offered a definitive response regarding his immediate future.
“No one from Real Madrid has spoken to me. I can guarantee that,” Mourinho stated.
“I’ve been in football for so many years and I’m used to these things… but there’s nothing from Real Madrid. I have a year to go on my Benfica contract, and that’s all.”
Future ambitions in Portugal
The former Chelsea and Manchester United boss only took charge of the Lisbon outfit in September.
Despite possessing a contract that officially runs until June 2027, a mutually exercisable break clause exists at the conclusion of the current campaign.
Domestically, the Eagles remain unbeaten in the Primeira Liga but still find themselves trailing leaders Porto by seven points.
Securing an automatic Champions League qualification spot through a second-place finish remains the immediate priority in Portugal.
Echoes of a turbulent past
An imminent return to the Spanish capital is further complicated by the veteran coach’s long-term desire to manage the Portugal national team.
The international vacancy carries increased prestige given the Iberian nation will serve as co-hosts for the 2030 World Cup.
A move back to Madrid would mirror the path taken by Carlo Ancelotti, who successfully returned to the club in 2021 after a six-year absence.
The Setubal-born tactician previously enjoyed a highly dramatic three-year spell in Madrid between 2010 and 2013.
He successfully ended Barcelona’s domestic dominance by lifting the La Liga title in 2012, alongside a Copa del Rey triumph.
Yet his abrasive management style ultimately culminated in an acrimonious departure, raising serious questions over how a potential reunion under Perez would unfold.