Leading Portuguese news channel CMTV have claimed that Jose Mourinho will be Real Madrid’s next coach.
While many Portuguese outlets have been very tentative about the links, CMTV’s bombshell report is likely to change things.
They add that an agreement was reached late on Thursday evening, and Mourinho will head to the Spanish capital next week to be presented to the fans and media.
It should be noted that Mourinho has a 10-day window to negotiate with other clubs after Benfica’s season finale against Estoril tomorrow.
That match will almost certainly confirm a season without Champions League football, suggesting it’s best for both parties to separate after a disappointing trophyless season.
Mourinho agrees Real Madrid deal
Announcing the news live on CMTV, reporter Tania Laranjo said: “Jose Mourinho really will become the coach of Real Madrid.
“The final details were agreed during the course of today. Everything indicates that he will be officially presented around the middle of next week.
“The contract itself will only be formally signed at the end of the league season. Those were the terms agreed with SL Benfica. Benfica will receive something around seven million euros for Mourinho’s departure.
“But during today everything was finalised: Jose Mourinho will coach Real Madrid next season and will already be presented in the Spanish capital during the week.
“There are still no details regarding the contract—neither its duration nor the figures involved.
“What is certain is that Real Madrid will pay the release clause Benfica demanded. In other words, the seven million euros will be covered by Real Madrid, even if technically they are incorporated into Mourinho’s contract package.
“That contract can only be signed once Mourinho finishes the Portuguese league season.
“The agreement was reached through his agent, as we know, Jorge Mendes, who finalised the deal with Real Madrid today.
“I would say that in the coming hours or days the contract terms will become public.
“In the last few hours, Rui Costa’s management was informed by Mourinho that he did not intend to stay.
“Rui Costa reportedly insisted several times, both directly to Mourinho and also through his agent. But it was made clear that Mourinho would not remain and instead wanted to accept this new challenge at Real Madrid.”
Mourinho speaks to the media
Hours later, Mourinho spoke to the media to preview Estoril, and confirmed a contract offer from Benfica.
“Yes, I received a contract renewal offer from Benfica on Wednesday,” he said.
“The offer was given to my agent, but I didn’t want to see, know about, or analyse it. I’ll only do that starting Sunday, I’d say Sunday.”
Asked if he has an offer from Madrid, he said: “No. My agent met with Benfica and told me, ‘I have an official offer that I’m going to send you.’ I said, ‘I don’t want it, send it to me on Sunday.’
“Regarding Real Madrid, they never told me there was an offer to show me. But if they had told me, I would have said exactly the same thing.”
Asked about his probably move to Madrid and what it means for Benfica, he responded: “First of all, Benfica is much bigger than me. There’s no comparison possible.
“Benfica is bigger than everyone, than any coach, player, or president. It’s bigger than anyone.
“Regarding my personal situation, I think there’s no reason to worry. As I said, Benfica is bigger than everyone, and you should never worry about whether someone stays or leaves.”
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