José Mourinho considering an offer to return to one of his former clubs

In a headline-grabbing moment this Wednesday, José Mourinho revealed that Benfica has officially approached him to take over as head coach following the sudden departure of Bruno Lage.

Mourinho flies home

Speaking to reporters shortly after landing in Lisbon from Spain, Mourinho confirmed his interest in negotiating with the Portuguese club.

“Benfica officially asked if I was interested,” Mourinho said. “I told them I was abroad, but once I returned to Portugal, I’d be happy to talk.”

The veteran manager, recently dismissed by Turkish side Fenerbahçe after a 1–0 loss to Benfica in the final Champions League qualifying round, didn’t hesitate when asked about the opportunity. “When I was confronted with the possibility of coaching Benfica, I didn’t think twice. I’m interested. I’d like it.”

His arrival in Portugal—unplanned, according to Mourinho—came just hours after Lage’s resignation, which followed a shocking 3–2 home defeat to Azerbaijan’s Qarabag on Tuesday and a disappointing draw against Santa Clara in the previous league match.

When asked about his predecessor, Mourinho expressed deep respect and empathy. “Bruno is a great coach. I have immense respect for him,” he said. “I know the feeling. I know what Bruno is going through right now. I think he needs to do what we all do—grieve.”

Mourinho, whose résumé includes stints at Chelsea, Real Madrid, Inter Milan, Tottenham Hotspur, and Manchester United, could be poised for a return to Portuguese football in dramatic fashion.

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