Portuguese manager, 63, would return to the club if Pérez wins Sunday's presidential election. Benfica has set a release clause price.
2:46 AM
Real Madrid president candidate Florentino Pérez announced Wednesday that José Mourinho will be his chosen coach if he wins the club's presidential election scheduled for Sunday, June 8.
The announcement came during prime-time television. At 22:01, as rival candidate Enrique Riquelme was appearing on the program El Hormiguero, Pérez's campaign released a video showing Mourinho in a Real Madrid shirt with the word "Sí" (Yes) on a white background. The video began with the phrase: "While on TV they talk, talk and talk..."
Minutes later, an advertisement aired on Antena 3 television reiterating Mourinho as Pérez's strategic choice for the club's future. The timing coincided with Riquelme's announcement of signing striker Erling Haaland, creating a direct contrast between the two presidential campaigns' announcements.
Mourinho, 63, previously managed Real Madrid from 2010 to 2013, a three-year period marked by significant turbulence. His return would mean replacing current coach Álvaro Arbeloa.
On Thursday, Benfica issued a statement confirming that Pérez's campaign had expressed firm intention to hire Mourinho should the election be won. The Portuguese club also disclosed the financial terms of any potential departure. According to Benfica's statement, Mourinho's transfer would be executed exclusively through his release clause, though the specific amount was not fully detailed in the available information.
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Álvaro Arbeloa confirmed Friday he will leave Real Madrid after the season ends, departing a trophyless campaign that began in January.
The Uruguayan-born defender won four European Cups with Real Madrid between 1957 and 1966 and later managed Spain's 1982 World Cup campaign.