Benfica have confirmed the departure of José Mourinho as coach to take charge of Real Madrid, with Marco Silva confirmed as his replacement at the Portuguese club.
Mourinho will be announced as Real coach for the second time, 13 years after ending a three-year spell between 2010 and 2013 in which he won a LaLiga title and the Copa del Rey.
Mourinho has since managed Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham in the Premier League, before spells at Roma, Galatasaray and Benfica, as it looked like his days managing elite clubs might be over, but the 63-year-old is now back in one of football’s biggest jobs.
A statement from Benfica states: “Benfica SAD has informed the CMVM that Real Madrid CF has formally expressed its intention to hire José Mourinho for an amount of 15 million euros, with the coach having given his agreement.
“Thank you, José Mourinho.”
Real Madrid parted ways with Alvaro Arbeloa on Tuesday night, paving the way for Mourinho to return to the Bernabeu.
Real Madrid have yet to formally announce the appointment, but recently re-elected president Florentino Pérez insisted that the Portuguese coach would be appointed if he was re-elected.
Silva confirmed as Benfica coach
Benfica have moved quickly to announce a replacement, with Silva taking charge at the Stadium of Light on a two-year contract following his departure from Premier League side Fulham at the end of the season.
Confirming Silva’s appointment, the Portuguese team added: “SAD announces that it has reached an agreement with Marco Silva for the signing of an employment contract valid for two seasons, extendable until 2028/29.”
Silva enjoyed a successful tenure in charge of Craven Cottage, leaving as one of their most successful managers after guiding them to the Premier League before establishing them as a top-flight mainstay.
The Portuguese coach has also taken charge of Hull, Watford and Everton in England, as well as Benfica’s rival Sporting CP.
