José Mourinho has been officially presented as Real Madrid’s new head coach, returning to the Spanish club 13 years after his first spell in charge.
The Portuguese manager was unveiled on Tuesday at a private ceremony in the boardroom of Ciudad Real Madrid, where he signed a three-year contract that will keep him at the club until June 30, 2029.
Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez welcomed Mourinho at the ceremony, which was also attended by honorary president José Martínez Pirri. Mourinho received a replica of the stadium, a watch and a jersey bearing his name.
Speaking after signing the contract, Mourinho said his return to Real Madrid carries greater emotional significance than his first arrival in 2010.
“I feel this is a mission. It goes beyond words. I am here to help everyone become better and to create a culture of work, responsibility, and ambition. I also want to instill the responsibility and honour of working for Real Madrid,” he said.
Mourinho also emphasised his connection with the club and its supporters.
“I am a Madridista. I have always been, even since I left… I am one of you, Madridistas,” he said.
Addressing the fans, he added, “I am one of you. But not just today; I have always been, since the day I was presented in 2010, the day I left in 2013. I have a fantastic memory of Wembley when we beat Dortmund, and the affection that was shown to me that day. I really am one of you.”
Mourinho said he expects everyone at the club to share his commitment to working for Real Madrid.
“I am here to work for Real Madrid. Everyone should follow this way. I want everyone who enters Valdebebas to feel it, that we are working for Real Madrid,” he said.
Mourinho’s return comes more than a decade after his first spell at the club, which ran from 2010 to 2013.
He will now prepare the team for the start of the new LaLiga season, with Real Madrid scheduled to face Espanyol in their opening league fixture on Saturday.
