Benfica have secured Jose Mourinho as their new manager on a deal running until summer 2027, following the dismissal of Bruno Lage after Tuesday's Champions League loss to Qarabag.
The 62-year-old Portuguese tactician returns to the Lisbon giants after a quarter-century absence, having briefly managed the club in 2000.
The appointment marks an emotional homecoming for Mourinho, who has been without a position since departing Fenerbahce in late August.
Ironically, his exit from the Turkish club came after Benfica eliminated them from Champions League qualification.
Jose Mourinho has been announced as the new manager of Benfica
|REUTERS
Mourinho's contract includes a break clause that permits either party to terminate the agreement within ten days of the season's conclusion.
Speaking at his unveiling press conference, Mourinho acknowledged the significance of the moment.
"I have so many emotions but experience helps me control them," he stated.
"I want to thank the president Rui Costa for the trust and the honour I feel in this moment."
The veteran manager emphasised his professional approach despite the sentimental value of the appointment.
Jose Mourinho managed Benfica for 11 matches in 2000
| GETTY"There isn't a single person who doesn't know the size of the Benfica nation and this club," Mourinho added.
"I want to make one thing absolutely clear: I must be able to block all these emotions and look at Sport Lisboa e Benfica in a simplistic way. I am the coach of one of the biggest clubs in the world."
Mourinho will make his debut on the touchline this Saturday when Benfica face AVS in the sixth round of Liga Portugal.
The Eagles currently sit sixth in the domestic standings with 10 points, trailing leaders Porto by five points but holding a match in hand.
His fourth match in charge promises to be particularly poignant, as Benfica travel to Stamford Bridge on September 30 for a Champions League encounter.
The fixture represents a reunion with Chelsea, where Mourinho claimed three Premier League titles across two separate periods.
This marks Mourinho's twelfth managerial position and his first role in Portuguese football since departing Porto in 2004.
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Jose Mourinho was sacked as Fenerbahce manager after they failed to reach the Champions League
|REUTERS
Mourinho's initial tenure at Benfica lasted just 11 matches between September and December 2000, when he succeeded Jupp Heynckes for his first senior managerial role.
During that brief period, he recorded six victories, three draws and two losses, with the highlight being an emphatic derby triumph over Sporting in his final match.
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Jose Mourinho has made a sensational return to Benfica
|REUTERS
Following his Benfica departure, Mourinho achieved remarkable success at Porto, capturing the Champions League in 2004.
His subsequent career included spells at Inter Milan, where he won another Champions League trophy in 2010, Real Madrid and Manchester United. He also secured Europa League glory with United in 2017 and the Conference League with Roma in 2022.