MADRID (AP) – Benfica announced late Tuesday that manager Jose Mourinho has agreed to return. real madridannounced earlier that they had parted ways with coach Alvaro Arbeloa.
Madrid President Florentino Pérez vowed: bring back mourinho as part of a campaign promise that led to his re-election on Sunday.
Benfica said in a memo to shareholders that Madrid had formally agreed to pay Mourinho 15 million euros (about $17.3 million) to Benfica, and that the Portuguese manager had also agreed to the move.
Benfica added: “Thank you, Jose Mourinho.”
Madrid have not made an official announcement.
Mourinho, who featured in Perez’s promotional materials during the campaign, will return for his second stint at Madrid. He coached the club from 2010 to 2013.
Arbeloa’s departure was already expected and was talked about at the end of the season.
Madrid said on Tuesday they were “deeply grateful” to Arbeloa, who “since joined our academy and throughout his career at the club has always shown loyalty, dedication and professionalism.”
Arbeloa took over from Xabi Alonso in January as the team struggled.
Arbeloa was unable to get Madrid back on track, and the club ended without winning a major trophy for the second consecutive season.
Last month, Arbeloa congratulated Mourinho on his return to Madrid, saying: “I’m happy to have him back home.”
Arbeloa played for Madrid during Mourinho’s time as manager of the club. During this tumultuous period, Madrid won the Spanish league and Copa del Rey titles, but were overshadowed by the great Barcelona team led by Josep Guardiola. Mourinho’s aggressive attitude toward opponents such as Guardiola and some players has offended many in Spain. He also had loyal supporters such as Arbeloa and some enthusiasts.
Arbeloa watched as Madrid struggled towards the end of the season. some of his players They get into an argument during training. The team lost to Bayern Munich in the Champions League and was unable to catch up with Barcelona in the Spanish league.
Perez’s campaign promise included an attention-grabbing signature. The club made the announcement on Tuesday. City rivals Atlético Madrid reject offer of 150 million euros Argentina forward Julián Alvarez ($173 million);
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