Jose Mourinho told Benfica is the right 'calibre' for him by Real Madrid president as coach reveals message from his former team

After being sacked by Fenerbahce for failing to qualify for the league phase of this season's Champions League, Mourinho marked an immediate return to coaching by signing for Benfica, the club where it all began for 'The Special One' in 2000. Mourinho will remain with Benfica until June 2027, although a surprise 'break clause' has been inserted in the contract which will allow both sides to part ways earlier than the expiry of the contract.

Right after he returned to Benfica, Mourinho received messages from Perez, the president of his former club. "I'd like to say that President Florentino sent me a message saying, 'I'm very happy that you've returned to a club of your calibre,' and to hear this from the president of Real Madrid himself," Mourinho revealed.

Mourinho arrived at the Bernabeu in 2010 after firing Inter to a historic continental treble. In his three years as Los Blancos' head coach, the Portuguese won three titles, including La Liga in 2011-12 and the Copa del Rey in 2010-11. In 2013, Perez urged Mourinho to prolong his stay at Madrid, but the 62-year-old felt his time was up. Now, Mourinho will face the Merengues for the first time over 12 years after parting ways with them, when Benfica welcome Xabi Alonso's side at the Estadio da Luz in the final league phase matchday of the Champions League in January.

The Setubal-born manager faced his first loss with Benfica on Tuesday as an own goal from Richard Rios was enough for his former side Chelsea to grab a win. This weekend, his troops will be up against Porto, with whom Mourinho won the Champions League in 2004.