Real Madrid officially presented José Mourinho as their new head coach on Tuesday in a formal unveiling at the club’s headquarters in Madrid, marking the start of his second spell in charge, Trybal News reports.
The 63 year old coach addressed the club media after the presentation and made it clear that the return carries a strong emotional meaning.
Mourinho summed up his feelings with a simple message: “It’s like coming home again.”
The Portuguese coach also explained how his feelings have changed since his first appointment at the Santiago Bernabéu.
He said his first arrival carried “the feeling of reaching the top of a career as a coach,” while this return reflects more of “the emotional, affectionate side.”
Mourinho begins second Real Madrid era
Real Madrid held the presentation behind closed doors, with neither fans nor the wider media allowed inside the ceremony.
Club president Florentino Pérez welcomed Mourinho before the manager formally began his second chapter with the Spanish giants.
Real Madrid TV and the club’s official website and social media channels later released images and footage from the event.
In a message to supporters, Mourinho declared: “I’m one of you,” before adding: “And not just today, but since I arrived in 2010 and after I left in 2013, always with you. … To return to Real Madrid is to return home.”
Real Madrid have handed Mourinho a contract running for three seasons. The agreement will keep him at the club until June 30, 2029.
Following the signing, the club presented Mourinho with a replica of the stadium, a watch and a Real Madrid shirt bearing his name.
Mourinho first managed Real Madrid between 2010 and 2013. During that spell, he won La Liga and the Copa del Rey.
However, his time at the club also carried controversy. His confrontational style created divisions within the squad and strained his relationship with sections of the local media and supporters.
Now, 13 years after leaving Madrid, Mourinho returns with a different challenge.
The club has made major changes after another season without a major trophy. Mourinho replaces Álvaro Arbeloa as part of a wider rebuild aimed at restoring Real Madrid to the top of Spanish and European football.
The club has also strengthened the squad with the arrivals of Marc Cucurella, Ibrahima Konaté, Denzel Dumfries, Bernardo Silva and Yan Diomande.
Mourinho will again work with a squad led by Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior and Jude Bellingham.
The new manager will hope that group can stop Barcelona from winning a third consecutive La Liga title.
Mourinho agreed to take charge in June before officially beginning his duties in July at the start of pre season.
His return marks the beginning of another ambitious Real Madrid era. This time, however, Mourinho arrives with the experience of his first spell and the emotional connection he says still remains with the club.
