José Mourinho has once again made it clear that his days of being pulled back to Real Madrid by Florentino Pérez are over and this time, he says he’s strong enough to say no as reported by Fabrizo romano via their official x handle.
Speaking ahead of Benfica’s Champions League playoff clash with Real Madrid, Mourinho addressed the constant rumours linking him with a dramatic return to the Bernabéu.
When asked if it’s really possible to turn down Florentino Pérez, the Special One replied bluntly:
Can you say no? Yes… yes you can. I can also do it.”
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It was classic Mourinho honest, confident, and firm. Despite his deep history with Real Madrid, where he won La Liga and the Copa del Rey, the Portuguese coach insists his focus is fully on Benfica, where he returned in September 2025 on a deal running until 2027.
The timing of the reunion with Madrid is ironic. Mourinho took over at Benfica less than a month after being sacked by Fenerbahçe a job he lost after failing to qualify for the Champions League, ironically knocked out by Benfica themselves.
Now, he stands on the opposite touchline, preparing to face the very club that once defined a big chapter of his career.
Mourinho has also publicly backed current Real Madrid boss Álvaro Arbeloa, saying he wants him to stay in charge for many years and succeed in La Liga. That support further underlines that Mourinho isn’t angling for a return he’s moved on.
Still, the Special One admits the past isn’t forgotten. Softfootball highlighted that He previously revealed that leaving Madrid in 2013 was one of his biggest career regrets. But now, his message is clear: he’s at peace with his path.
With Benfica chasing European progress and Portugal reportedly eyeing him for a future national team role after the 2026 World Cup, Mourinho’s story with Madrid may finally be closed this time, on his own terms.
