JOSE MOURINHO is heading back to Real Madrid.
The 63-year-old will return to the club he called home from 2010 to 2013 next season, putting an end to his time with Benfica.
He replaces Alvaro Arbeloa, who stepped in for Xabi Alonso in January.
Arbeloa has failed to impress Florentino Perez and the Real Madrid board since taking over, managing 15 wins, two draws and eight defeats.
Los Blancos suffered the ultimate humiliation at the weekend, losing 2-0 to Barcelona – a result which saw their main rivals clinch the LaLiga title.
Perez is hopeful that the return of Mourinho will help to bring the ultimate success back to the Bernabeu.
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The Portuguese boss won the LaLiga title, the Copa del Rey and the Supercopa de España during his first spell in Madrid.
Mourinho was understood to be the No1 pick to become Real Madrid’s head coach.
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Jurgen Klopp, Mauricio Pochettino, Julian Nagelsmann, Didier Deschamps and Massimiliano Allegri were also rumoured to be on the shortlist, although it is believed that Mourinho was the only candidate who held formal talks.
The ‘Special One’ has been in charge of Benfica since September and is yet to lose a league match.
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However, the Portuguese giants could finish as low as third in the table after dropping points in 11 draws.
Mourinho – who has also managed the likes of Chelsea, Manchester United, Tottenham and Inter Milan – will join the club following a period of turmoil both on and off the pitch.
His return comes despite vocal objections from Los Blancos legend Iker Casillas.
Mourinho dropped the legendary Spaniard from the Real Madrid starting XI during his time in charge.
Taking to social media last week, Casillas wrote: “I have no problem with Mourinho. I think he’s a great professional.
“I just don’t want him at Real Madrid.
“I believe other coaches would be better suited to manage the club I love.
“That’s just my personal opinion. Nothing more.”
In addition to Real Madrid ending the season without a trophy, some relationships behind the scenes have become fractured.
Federico Valverde was rushed to hospital on Thursday following a training ground clash with team-mate Aurelien Tchouameni that left him with a head trauma.
The two players also had a row just one day prior to the incident.
They were both sunsequently fined £432,000 (€500,000) by the club.
