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José Mourinho has acknowledged receiving a contract extension offer from Benfica, though he has yet to review it, as speculation grows over interest from Real Madrid.
The 63-year-old is considered the leading candidate to replace Álvaro Arbeloa in the Bernabéu hot seat next season, following Madrid's underwhelming trophy-free campaign.
Several reports indicate that Mourinho could officially be unveiled as Madrid's new head coach before the month is out, due to an approaching expiry date on a buyout clause within his existing Benfica contract.
Speaking at a press conference ahead of Benfica's final Portuguese season fixture against Estoril this weekend, Mourinho disclosed that his current club is eager to retain his services. Nevertheless, he is putting off any consideration of Benfica's renewal proposal until the season officially concludes.
Benfica Offer on the Table
Mourinho told reporters: "Yes, I received a renewal offer from Benfica on Wednesday, an offer that was passed to my agent, an offer that I had no desire to see, hear about, or evaluate, and I will only do so from Sunday onwards.
"My agent met with Benfica and informed me: 'I have a formal offer that I'm going to forward to you.' And I replied: 'I don't want it, send it to me on Sunday.' As for Real Madrid, they have never said anything to me, and I would give them the exact same answer. On Sunday I'll begin thinking about everything."
On the prospect of his departure, Mourinho added: "Benfica is far greater than me, there's simply no comparison. It's bigger than everybody — any coach, player, president, or anyone else. So when it comes to my personal situation, I don't think there's any cause for concern, because Benfica is bigger than everyone and there's no need to worry if someone moves on."
'It Hurts'—Mourinho Weighs in on Arbeloa, Mbappé Rift
Mourinho was also questioned about the latest controversy surrounding Madrid: Kylian Mbappé's post-match tirade following Thursday's 2–0 victory over Real Oviedo.
The forward, who was left on the bench before entering as a second-half substitute, told the media he was "fourth choice" under Arbeloa, and took aim at the club's lack of tactical structure and playing identity in the second half of the season.
When asked about the apparent tension between Mbappé and the Madrid coach, Mourinho said: "It hurts me, because Arbeloa is a friend.
"He gave everything — his soul, his life — when he played under me, and now that he's the Real Madrid manager, that bond remains.
"Of course, seeing him as a coach himself makes me even more invested when things go well for him. But that's the reality of coaching. I often joke with my former players who go into management, telling them: 'Give it a couple of years and you'll see how many gray hairs you end up with.' And then they understand that being a player is far simpler than being a coach."
What Would Mourinho Bring to Madrid?
Once considered a long shot for the position of next Real Madrid manager, Mourinho's chances of returning to the club he led between 2010–13 have surged considerably in recent days, with reports suggesting he is president Florentino Pérez's top choice for the role.
Mbappé, too, appears to have thrown his support behind Mourinho's appointment, having been seen liking a social media post highlighting the potential advantages of the two-time Champions League winner's comeback.
Mourinho and Madrid make for an intriguing pairing at this point in the coach's career. Mourinho has not claimed a league title since 2015 (with Chelsea), and the past decade of his managerial career has been defined more by controversy than silverware.
Pérez and Madrid are betting that Mourinho can replicate the magic of the 2011–12 campaign, when Los Blancos swept to the La Liga crown with a record-breaking 100-point haul. With the dressing room seemingly on the brink of internal conflict, Mourinho may also be seen as one of the few figures with the strength of character to manage the egos, impose discipline, and restore cohesion.
Critics, however, will contend that Mourinho's recent record makes it far more probable that the Portuguese coach will simply pour more fuel onto an already burning fire.