Jose Mourinho described his return to Real Madrid for a second spell in charge as “like coming home”.
Mourinho was officially presented as Madrid’s new coach on Tuesday, his appointment having been announced back in June.
He has signed a contract until June 2029, coming in after a tumultuous 2025-26 season that saw Madrid fail to win a trophy as Xabi Alonso did not manage to live up to expectations, with Alvaro Arbeloa unable to turn things around.
Madrid visit Espanyol for their LaLiga opener on Saturday, and Mourinho was effusive in expressing his delight at returning to the dugout for the club with whom he dethroned Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona in LaLiga in 2011-12.
“This is like coming home,” Mourinho said. “Emotionally, it’s even better than the first time because back then it was about reaching the top of the world, and now it’s more emotional and heartfelt.”
“I’m one of you, I always have been, since the day I got presented in 2010 and the day I left in 2013, I am one of you,” Mourinho said of his message to the Madrid fans.
“I have a fantastic memory of Wembley [at the 2024 Champions League final] when we beat Dortmund, and the affection that was shown to me that day. I really am one of you.”
“You can imagine what it means to me to work for Real Madrid. This is a principle everyone must follow: working for Real Madrid means working for you.
“Words aren’t enough… because it’s like a mission. It’s not about worrying about myself or whether I’ll earn a lot or a little.
“I’m here to help everyone be better: players, staff… To create a culture of hard work, responsibility, ambition, and something I know well, the responsibility and honour of working for Real Madrid. I really like this concept.”
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