Jose Mourinho will fly from Lisbon to Madrid this afternoon to complete his return to Spanish giants Real.
Mourinho will go straight to work at the training ground upon his arrival. He has no current plans to hold a press conference or stage a welcome ceremony. These will follow in the coming days.
The way was officially cleared for Mourinho to be confirmed as Real Madrid’s new manager by the departure of Alvaro Arbeloa last night.
Benfica confirmed the departure of Mourinho and appointment of Marco Silva a few hours later.
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Jamie Carragher gives his verdict on the news that Jose Mourinho is set to make a return to Real Madrid
A Real Madrid statement announcing the re-appointment of the ‘special one’ on a three-year deal will come later on Wednesday. He is set to bring five coaching staff with him.
There are currently no plans to hold a press conference or stage a welcome ceremony. These will follow in the coming days.
Mourinho was expecting to start work two weeks ago after Madrid’s final LaLiga game of the season against Athletic Bilbao. The presidential election took place which ended on Sunday with Perez winning which left everything in the clear for Mourinho to return.
Silva and Arbeloa open the door for Mourinho return
It was announced on Tuesday evening that Arbeloa, who replaced Xabi Alonso in January, would be leaving the club.
A club statement read: “Real Madrid C. F. and Alvaro Arbeloa have reached an agreement to end his tenure as the first-team coach.
“Real Madrid is deeply grateful to Alvaro Arbeloa, who throughout his career at the club, from the time he joined our academy, has always demonstrated loyalty, commitment, and professionalism. His persona is a true example of the values of our club.
“Real Madrid, which will always be his home, wishes Alvaro Arbeloa and his entire family the best of luck in this new chapter of their lives.”
Hours later, Benfica announced that they had agreed a two-year deal with Marco Silva, with the option of a one year extension.
‘A true Madridsta’ – Perez’s Mourinho promise after re-election
Mourinho’s return to the Spanish capital has been delayed due to the recent presidential election at the club.
Florentino Perez overcame competition from Enrique Riquelme, and immediately confirmed that Mourinho would be returning to the Bernabeu.
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Gary Cotterill brings the latest from Madrid, where Florentino Perez looks set to be re-elected as president – and reappoint Jose Mourinho as manager
“We have won the elections and will continue working to keep winning titles,” Perez said. “I am still here and I am here to defend Real Madrid.
“We will continue working so that Real Madrid keeps winning titles, and we will fight until the end to achieve the 16th European Cup.
“We will continue to take pride in the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, the best stadium in the world.
“We are proud to have the best players in the world, proud to welcome back one of the best coaches in the world, a Madridista like Jose Mourinho. And rest assured, with me as president, Real Madrid has been, is, and will always remain owned by its members.”
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