In response to the mounting rumours that he will make an incredible comeback to Real Madrid to replace Alvaro Arbeloa, Jose Mourinho has made a frank statement. The renowned Portuguese coach, who is currently in charge of Benfica, also paused to consider his poignant time at Roma, calling the Italian capital the most memorable setting of his remarkable career.
Mourinho has downplayed claims that the 15-time European winners are eager to reunite by concentrating on his present job. He is presently in charge of Benfica, but rumours indicate that Florentino Perez is spearheading the search for his former manager in an effort to bring stability to a team that has had difficulties under Arbeloa. The “Special One” stayed silent when questioned about the connections to Real Madrid and a potential return to La Liga.
Instead of fuelling the fire regarding a second stint in the Spanish capital, the 63-year-old insisted that his focus remains on the job at hand in Lisbon. “My next target is to bring Benfica back to the Champions League,” he stated in an interview with Il Giornale, seemingly cooling talk of an immediate departure, despite reports of a manageable break clause in his contract with the Portuguese giants. The response comes amid warnings from former Los Blancos star Guti, who suggested that Mourinho is no longer in his prime phase and that Perez should look elsewhere for a tactical spark.
Reflecting on his storied career, which includes trophy-laden spells at Chelsea, Inter, and Real Madrid, Mourinho made a surprising admission about his time in the Italian capital. Despite being sacked by Roma in January 2024, he holds the club and its fanbase in the highest regard. “For me, it’s been the best place in my career. I’ve never felt such an incredible environment around a football team. The Olimpico was always full,” Mourinho revealed.
The Portuguese manager guided Roma to Conference League glory in 2022 and the Europa League final the following year, creating a bond with the supporters that he believes is unmatched. He added on their struggles since his exit: “Not even when I won the Champions League did I see scenes like those. My Roma is finished. I don’t want to say anything else. Actually, just one thing. Nobody should blame the Roma fans for not winning. The Roma fans are the ones who support the team, and nobody should touch them.”
