Jose Mourinho responds to Real Madrid return speculation - 'I can guarantee that'

Jose Mourinho has insisted that he has not been in touch with Real Madrid amid speculation that Florentino Perez wants him to return to the club this summer. Real are expected to replace Alvaro Arbeloa at the end of the season and Mourinho is one of the candidates they are considering. The Spanish giants sacked Xabi Alonso mid-campaign and promoted under-21s coach Arbeloa into the role. But things haven't gone to plan, with bitter rivals Barcelona 11 points clear at the top of La Liga , while Real were knocked out of the Champions League by Bayern Munich in the quarter-finals. Mourinho only joined Benfica in September and is under contract with the Portuguese side until June 2027. However, there is a break clause in the deal that can be triggered at the end of this season by either the club or Mourinho himself. Real bigwig Perez is a fan of Mourinho's and is pushing for his return. But, speaking to reporters on Friday, the 63-year-old played a straight bat to the speculation. FOLLOW OUR REAL MADRID FB PAGE! Latest news and more on our dedicated Facebook page “No one from Real Madrid has spoken to me. I can guarantee that,” Mourinho said. “I’ve been in football for so many years and I’m used to these things... but there’s nothing from Real Madrid . I have a year to go on my Benfica contract, and that’s all.” Mourinho won La Liga with Real in 2012 and also lifted the Copa del Rey during his three-year spell from 2010. But his abrasive coaching style led to an acrimonious exit and it remains to be seen whether Perez will win the power struggle over the next manager. Real are set to finish a second successive campaign without a major trophy and change is therefore inevitable. But Mourinho's return is not - partly because he has his eye on the Portugal job, which has become even more desirable because the country will be co-hosts of the 2030 World Cup. Benfica are unbeaten in the league this season but still trail rivals Porto by seven points. Mourinho is keen to finish the domestic campaign unbeaten and to secure second place and therefore an automatic place in next season's Champions League. There is no immediate rush from Real Madrid or Mourinho to decide their next move. If he did return, Mourinho would be following in the footsteps of Carlo Ancelotti, who went back to Real in 2021 - six years after leaving. Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.