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Jose Mourinho has directly responded to growing speculation linking him with a sensational return to Real Madrid to replace Alvaro Arbeloa.
The legendary Portuguese coach, currently in charge of Benfica, also took a moment to reflect on his emotional tenure at Roma, describing the Italian capital as the exceptional environment of his illustrious career.
Perez leads the chase
Amid intense reports that the 15-time European champions would like a reunion, Mourinho has played down the rumors by focusing on his current project.
He is currently in charge of Benfica, but reports suggest Florentino Perez is leading his former manager’s pursuit to restore stability to a struggling team under Arbeloa.
Asked about links with Real Madrid, the “Special One” remained discreet about a return to La Liga.
Mourinho breaks silence on Madrid links
Instead of adding fuel to the fire over a second stint in the Spanish capital, the 63-year-old insisted he remained focused on the job at hand in Lisbon.
“My next goal is to bring Benfica back to the Champions League,” he said in an interview with The Giornaleseemingly chilling talks of an immediate departure, despite reports of a manageable break clause in his contract with the Portuguese giants.
The response comes amid warnings from former Blancos star Guti, who suggested Mourinho is no longer in his prime and Perez should look elsewhere for a tactical spark.
Rome remains the “best place” for José
Reflecting on his storied career, which includes trophy-laden spells at Chelsea, Inter and Real Madrid, Mourinho made a surprising admission about his time in the Italian capital.
Although he was sacked by Roma in January 2024, he holds the club and its fans in the highest regard.
“For me, it’s the best place of my career. I’ve never felt such an incredible atmosphere around a football team. The Olimpico was always full,” Mourinho revealed.
The Portuguese coach guided Roma to Conference League glory in 2022 and the Europa League final the following year, creating a bond with fans that he believes is unrivaled.
He added on their struggles since his departure: “Even when I won the Champions League, I didn’t see scenes like that. My Roma is over. I don’t want to say anything else. Actually, just one thing. Nobody should blame Roma fans for not winning. Roma fans are the ones who support the team and no one should touch them.”
Pressure mounts on Arbeloa
While Mourinho focuses on Benfica, the pressure continues to mount at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Arbeloa was named first-team boss in January following the departure of Xabi Alonso, but he is under intense pressure after a poor run of results, and the hierarchy are reportedly looking for an elite figure to help them through a period of transition.
Although Mourinho is one of the leading candidates for Perez, he is not the only name in the running for the job.
Other high-profile managers such as Argentina’s Lionel Scaloni, USMNT boss Mauricio Pochettino and Stuttgart’s Sebastian Hoeness have all been linked with the role.
If Mourinho were to return, it would mark his first spell at Madrid since 2010-2013, a period defined by his intense rivalry with Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona.
