Mourinho Exposes Real Madrid President's Shocking Message After Benfica Move
Newly appointed Benfica coach José Mourinho has disclosed the message Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez sent him following his appointment, marking 12 years since his departure from the Spanish capital.
The Merengues brought Mourinho aboard in 2010 hoping to halt Barcelona's supremacy under Pep Guardiola, yet Barça maintained their dominance even after "The Special One" arrived following his highly successful tenure with Inter Milan.
Mourinho ultimately led Madrid to La Liga glory in 2012 as a weary Guardiola chose to take a break, though the renowned Portuguese tactician was criticized for creating friction with crucial squad members and departed the club after what he described as the "most difficult season" of his coaching journey in 2013.
Mourinho Prepares for Real Madrid Encounter in Champions League
Despite numerous heated confrontations with certain players, Mourinho preserved a positive rapport with Pérez. In 2019, he commented about Madrid's president: "He has affection for me, and I have affection for him."
Following his return to Benfica 25 years after beginning his managerial journey with the Portuguese powerhouse, the coach revealed Pérez's words to him. "I want to mention that president Florentino [Pérez] contacted me with a message stating, 'I'm delighted that you've gone back to a club worthy of your stature,'" Mourinho shared, according to Cumhuriyet.
This isn't meant as criticism, as some may perceive, but rather Pérez's respect for one of Europe's most storied institutions. Benfica has secured 88 domestic trophies and captured the European Cup twice during the early 1960s.
Mourinho's reputation among football's elite has faced scrutiny in recent years, with his standing declining since leading Chelsea to their third Premier League title in 2015. He has subsequently coached Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, Roma and Fenerbahçe, with his recent stint in Turkey concluding at the beginning of 2025–26.
His return to Benfica has begun with two victories, one draw and one loss, with Chelsea narrowly defeating their former manager's team 1–0 in the Champions League on Tuesday evening. Come January, Mourinho will host Real Madrid at the Estádio da Luz, where a reunion with longtime friend Pérez awaits.