José Mourinho has been confirmed as Real Madrid's new manager, returning to the Bernabéu 13 years after his first spell in charge. The 63-year-old Portuguese has signed a three-year contract after leaving Benfica, where he had been since September.
Mourinho's appointment follows a difficult campaign for Real Madrid, with Xabi Alonso sacked in January amid player unrest and Álvaro Arbeloa unable to turn things around as interim head coach. Real were eliminated by Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarter-finals, while Barcelona cruised to the La Liga title. Dressing-room tensions also spilled over, with Fede Valverde requiring hospital treatment for stitches after a confrontation with teammate Aurélien Tchouaméni.
Florentino Pérez, re-elected as club president last Sunday, made Mourinho his primary target. The Portuguese previously led Real to La Liga glory in 2011-12 and the Copa del Rey in 2010-11, and is expected to restore discipline and success to the squad.
Benfica confirmed on Wednesday that they will receive €15m (£13m) in compensation from Madrid. Marco Silva, who left Fulham last week, is set to succeed Mourinho at Benfica on a two-year deal with an option for a further season.
Mourinho's recent roles include spells at Fenerbahce and Roma, and he guided Benfica to an unbeaten league campaign last season, though that was only enough for third place. He will officially begin his new role at Real Madrid on 13 July, when pre-season training starts.
