Jose Mourinho is back where it all began, returning to Benfica 25 years after his short-lived first spell as head coach.
The 62-year-old, sacked by Fenerbahce last month after just over a year in charge, has signed a two-year contract, reports Sky Sports.
Mourinho will take charge of his first Benfica training session on Thursday, succeeding Bruno Lage, who was dismissed earlier this week.
Lage’s departure came after a shock Champions League home defeat to Qarabag of Azerbaijan, leaving Benfica scrambling for stability.
The Portuguese giants have turned to Mourinho, who previously managed the club briefly in 2000 before moving on to greater success.
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Mourinho’s return brings instant drama as Benfica face his former club Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on September 30 in the Champions League.
The legendary coach rose to prominence with Porto, where he lifted the UEFA Cup in 2003 and the Champions League in 2004.
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That triumph earned him a move to Chelsea, where he secured Premier League titles in 2005, 2006, and 2015 during two spells.
Mourinho also won the Champions League with Inter Milan in 2010 and later guided Manchester United to Europa League success in 2017.
After stints at Tottenham, Roma, and Fenerbahce, the “Special One” has come full circle, returning to Benfica with unfinished business.
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