Jose Mourinho was filmed leaving Benfica’s Seixal training ground for the last time ahead of his move to Real Madrid.
Portugal’s news outlets were posted outside of Benfica Campus to catch the two-time Champions League winner departing in his car without saying a word.
They add that he had a two-hour meeting with president Rui Costa, rejecting a new contract that was offered.
Instead, he’ll now head to Madrid and sign a two-year deal with Florentino Perez.
The deal has an option of a third year, and Real will pay Benfica €7million in compensation.
Speaking yesterday, president Costa said: “Jose Mourinho is Benfica’s coach until proven otherwise.
“It’s up to Mourinho to decide [about the renewal offer]. As for everything else, I will speak to Benfica fans this week to give an overview of this season.
“Did I think about Marco Silva or anyone else if Mourinho leaves? Obviously not, Mourinho is Benfica’s coach until proven otherwise.”
Reports in Portugal add that Fulham’s Silva has agreed to replace Mourinho at Benfica.
Mourinho joined Benfica in September, signing a two year deal with a break clause this summer.
The clause allowed him a 10-day window after the season to negotiate with other clubs willing to pay €3million for his services.
Mourinho finished the league season unbeaten, but ultimately trophyless and in third-place, missing out on Champions League football.
As such, Benfica were unwilling to offer him new terms, having been stung in recent years by doing so only for the next season to start poorly, resulting in expensive sackings like Roger Schmidt.
Yet when Real Madrid arrived on the scene, Benfica put an offer on the table.
Speaking after their season finale against Estoril, Mourinho made some shock statements about his future.
Asked the probability of joining Madrid, he said: “I think at this moment it’s 99% likely I’ll stay at Benfica.
“I have a contract with Benfica and, in addition to having a contract, I have a renewal offer that I haven’t seen yet, but my agent said it was an excellent offer.
“I haven’t heard anything from Real Madrid yet, but none of us are naive, and what exists are conversations between Jorge, the president, and the club’s management.”
As it turns out, the comments were likely to save face with Benfica fans, with multiple reports claiming he spoke to Madrid before the 10-day window in his contract allowed.
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