Jose Mourinho was in typically entertaining form ahead of Benfica’s Champions League play-off against Real Madrid.
The former Los Blancos coach entertained the media who he grew tired of during his stint from 2010 to 2013.
Unsurprisingly there has been talk of him returning to Madrid, given their president, Florentino Perez, has essentially hired a mini-me in the form of Alvaro Arbeloa.
So there were certainly some eyebrows raised when Mourinho made it clear to the world that he’s readily available this summer.
“I don’t want to fuel stories that don’t exist,” he said before doing exactly that.
“I have one more year on my contract with Benfica; it’s special because it’s an election period and we wanted to protect a new president. It has an easy-to-break clause.
“I have nothing against Real Madrid. I would love to eliminate Real Madrid, but I would really like Arbeloa to win La Liga and stay at Real Madrid for many years, because he has a lot of talent. He’s a true Madridista and has a lot of personality.”
Asked when he last spoke to Perez, he added: “The last time was when I signed with Benfica.
“He told me he was very happy because I had signed for a great club.
“He didn’t come to the previous match; I hope he’ll be here tomorrow and I can talk to him. We’re great friends.”
Jose Mourinho looks back on his Madrid tenure
Mourinho was also in a reflective mood, looking back at his time at Real when he failed in his main objective to win the Champions League.
“I gave everything I had to Real Madrid,” he said. “I did some things well and some things poorly, but I gave it my all.
“When a professional gives everything, there’s a connection that lasts forever.
“My feeling after these 12 years with the Madrid fans is the same as my own: they respect me and hold me in high esteem. It’s fantastic for me.
“I wouldn’t change anything because I can’t change anything now. I’m happy I gave it my all.
“It doesn’t matter if you make mistakes, because you gave everything you had.
“That’s what I tell my players. If you fail, it’s okay, you tried everything. I’m happy with myself.”
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