Always the entertainer, Jose Mourinho has added some late drama to his switch to Real Madrid.
Reports across Europe state the Benfica coach will return to Spain next week after completing a trophyless season back in Portugal.
In fact, in Portugal, where they’ve been far more tentative on the talks, they even claim Benfica are in negotiations with Marco Silva as a replacement.
Yet after completing an unbeaten but third-place finish in the Primeira Liga, Mourinho added doubt to the claims of every expert out there.
Mourinho says Benfica stay is likely
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.”
Mourinho reportedly now has a 10 day window to talk to other clubs, with Madrid having to pay a €7million release clause.
Asked what’s next, he said: “It depends on the offer and what they want from me. We’re not talking about a euro more or less.
“What they want from me, if I’m in a position to give it, the type of work they might ask of me. But, by right, I want to have my time to talk, analyse and decide what’s best for me.
“Ultimately, Benfica is Benfica. What I feel for Benfica can no longer be hidden. I’ve spent my whole career hiding it, now I can’t hide it anymore.
“But my career is my career. But I repeat: Seixal [training ground] is ready to attack titles. Seixal is.”
Mourinho was then asked about one key topic, if president Rui Costa’s hesitance on a new deal has led to his departure.
He responded: “Rui Costa made a contract with me when I came here, where we agreed to have a clause that protected us ethically in the event of President Rui Costa’s defeat in the elections, and I have a contract for another year.
“Nobody forced Benfica to renew my contract. The clause gives me the possibility to leave if that is my decision.
“I have absolutely no criticism to make of the president. We were the ones who agreed to this type of contract. In fact, I have another year on my contract with Benfica at this moment.”
Finally, Mourinho was asked if he said goobye to his players.
“I said goodbye to the players in a very general way, wishing the best of luck in the World Cup to those who are going and holidays to those who are leaving,” he said.
“I have no problem telling you what I told you, I have tremendous pride in that locker room and in Benfica Seixal. It’s a tremendous group. There are only good things in the people who work there.
“There is discipline, empathy, joy in working together, there is dignity and respect for Benfica.
“Third place says nothing about the work that was done. My heart aches when I hear an insult from the stands, it hurts for the boys, whose only honour is the fact that they are the only unbeatable team in Europe.
“That says a lot about this team. The respect for the fans, for the club.
“Something they felt a lot of, and they maintained it until the end. Nobody here is stupid, there are some who like to make others look stupid, but nobody here is stupid.
“I feel much more for them than for myself. These people are good. Benfica has a clean Seixal, a good Seixal. It has many good things. The conditions are there to be happy again, but it’s not enough.”
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