Portuguese side Benfica has confirmed head coach José Mourinho will depart the club ahead of a move to become the new manager of La Liga giants Real Madrid.
In a statement on Tuesday, Benfica revealed that Real Madrid communicated their intention to pay Mourinho’s €15 million release clause after reaching an agreement with the 63-year-old.
“Benfica SAD has informed the CMVM (Portuguese securities market commission) that Real Madrid CF has formally expressed its intention to hire José Mourinho for the amount of 15 million euros, with the coach having given his agreement.
Thank you, José Mourinho,” the club stated.
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez disclosed on Monday that the club was set to announce Mourinho’s appointment after he was re-elected to lead the 15-time Champions League winners until 2030.
“Proud to have the best players in the world, proud to welcome back one of the best coaches in the world, a Madridista like Jose Mourinho. And rest assured, with me as president, Real Madrid has been, is, and will always remain owned by its members,” Mr Perez stated.
Once Mourinho is formally presented, it will mark the former Chelsea and Manchester United manager’s return to Real Madrid, where he left in 2013.