Real Madrid Bring Back Mourinho as Head Coach

Real Madrid have officially confirmed Jose Mourinho as their new head coach, bringing the 63-year-old back to the club 13 years after his first spell ended.

Mourinho has signed a three-year contract and will take charge when the squad reports for pre-season training on 13 July. The club paid Benfica 15 million euros (£13m) in compensation to secure his release.

Club president Florentino Perez had promised to rehire Mourinho if he won the presidential election earlier this month, and he delivered on that promise after taking 65% of the vote to beat challenger Enrique Riquelme.

The appointment comes after a difficult two seasons for Real Madrid, who failed to win any silverware. The club parted ways with Xabi Alonso in January, and Alvaro Arbeloa stepped in to see out the rest of the season.

Mourinho's first spell at Madrid ran from 2010 to 2013, during which he won La Liga, the Copa del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup. He has since managed Chelsea, Manchester United, Tottenham, Roma, Fenerbahce and most recently Benfica, where he guided the club through an unbeaten league season before leaving with them in third place.

Benfica have already moved to replace him, agreeing a deal with former Fulham manager Marco Silva earlier this week