Real Madrid have confirmed the return of José Mourinho as manager, 13 years after he left the club. The 63-year-old Portuguese has signed a three-year contract, joining from Benfica, where he had been since September.
Mourinho's appointment comes after a difficult season for Real Madrid, who sacked Xabi Alonso in January amid player unrest. Interim coach Álvaro Arbeloa failed to turn things around, with the club exiting the Champions League at the quarter-finals and Barcelona winning La Liga. Tensions in the squad were highlighted by an altercation between Fede Valverde and Aurélien Tchouaméni that required stitches.
President Florentino Pérez, re-elected last Sunday, hopes Mourinho can restore order and success. Mourinho previously led Real Madrid to the 2011-12 La Liga title and the 2010-11 Copa del Rey. His career includes Champions League wins with Porto and Inter, and three Premier League titles with Chelsea.
At Benfica, Mourinho guided the team to an unbeaten league season but only third place. Benfica will receive €15 million (£13 million) in compensation, with Marco Silva taking over on a two-year deal after leaving Fulham. Mourinho officially starts on 13 July.
