Jose Mourinho insists he has not rejoined Benfica 'to wage war' on Porto after 'infuriating' his former club's fanbase with unveiling comments

Mourinho rejoined Benfica last week, 21 years after leaving Porto to take over at Chelsea, and immediately caused controversy by hailing his new role as a 'tremendous honour'. His words infuriated sections of Porto’s fanbase, who felt slighted by his remarks. Porto supporters voiced their frustration, and Mourinho acknowledged he would likely face hostility at Estadio Dragao on October 5 when Benfica visit.    

On relationships with rivals: "I don't think they [Porto and Sporting] will be upset if I say that after joining Benfica, I spoke with president Villas-Boas of Porto and president Varandas of Sporting. If we have a good relationship, if we're friends and respect each other, the fact that I'm Benfica coach doesn't mean I've come here to wage war."

On Porto and his unveiling: "I didn't come to Benfica to upset Porto. I came to Benfica to enjoy the opportunity to once again coach a club with winning ambitions at a high level. By saying that Benfica is one of the biggest clubs in the world, I'm not saying that Porto isn't. If someone asks me if Porto is a giant club, I'd say yes. FC Porto is a very important part of my history, and I am a very important part of FC Porto's history."

On returning to the Dragao: "Now, of course, I don't expect to be applauded at the Dragao in two weeks. I played there with Chelsea, and I wasn’t applauded, let alone going as Benfica’s coach. FC Porto wants to win, we want to win, there's no more history."  

Mourinho’s return to Portuguese football after more than two decades has reignited old rivalries in Liga Portugal. His comments on Benfica being a 'tremendous honour' struck a nerve with Porto fans, who still revere his Champions League-winning spell at the Dragao. He has since spent successful years at Chelsea, Real Madrid, and Inter Milan, along with spells across Manchester United and Tottenham, among others.    

Benfica are preparing for their next league fixtures as they continue their push for the title under Mourinho. Attention is already turning toward the October 5 clash at Porto, which promises to be fiery given the history involved.