Mourinho Returns to Real Madrid: "I'm One of You, I Have Been Since I Left"

José Mourinho has officially taken the helm as the new Real Madrid coach since the beginning of June. The Portuguese manager, however, was presented this morning in the club's boardroom at the Merengue's training ground. This private event was only broadcast through select footage shared by Real Madrid TV. He was welcomed by President Florentino Perez. Mourinho signed a contract that will keep him at the club until June 30, 2029, after which he posed with his new personalized jersey and received a replica of the stadium and a watch. Honorary President José Martinez Pirri was also present at the ceremony. Mourinho's is the first presentation of Real Madrid's new summer campaign, which has seen the arrival of six players in addition to the coach. The same format is planned for them, with no fans or media, and only club officials and those closest to the protagonists in attendance.

First Words

At the conclusion of the event, Mourinho spoke briefly to the club's official channels, emphasizing the special significance of his return: 'The first time I arrived at Madrid, it was the pinnacle from a professional standpoint, but now, in addition to that, there's also the emotional and affective component once again. That's why I believe this phase is more special than the first.' He then delivered a message to the Real Madrid community: 'The important thing is to work for Real Madrid, and I want it to be that way for everyone at Valdebebas. To the people, I can say that I am one of you, I have always been since I left.'

Debut Against Espanyol

On Friday, Mourinho will hold his first press conference as Real Madrid coach, on the eve of the away match in Barcelona against Espanyol, scheduled for Saturday at 9:30 PM. 'Words are not enough... because it's like a mission. It's not about worrying about myself or whether I'll earn a lot or a little. I am here to help everyone improve: players, staff... To create a culture of work, responsibility, ambition, and something I know well, which is the responsibility and honor of working for Real Madrid. I really like this concept,' Mourinho concluded.