UCL: I can say no – Mourinho speaks on returning to Real Madrid as manager
Sport UCL: I can say no – Mourinho speaks on returning to Real Madrid as manager Published on February 16, 2026 By Ifreke Inyang googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1500386953281-8'); }); Benfica head coach, Jose Mourinho, has claimed he could say no to Real Madrid president, Florentino Perez, if asked to return as manager. Mourinho welcomes the LaLiga giants on Tuesday, for a Champions League play-off round clash on Tuesday. The second leg will be played at the Santiago Bernabeu next week. googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1524595905268-5'); }); Mourinho, who coached Madrid between 2010 and 2013, has a clause in his Benfica contract, which would allow him leave. The 63-year-old led his side to a 4-2 victory over Madrid in the league phase of the Champions League in January. “Can you say no? Yes,” Mourinho told reporters when asked if he could reject an approach from the Madrid. “Yes you can. “I gave everything to Real Madrid, everything that I had, I did good things, I did bad things, but I gave absolutely everything and that’s all.” Don't Miss NPFL: Plateau United’s defeat to El-Kanemi unfortunate – Ogunbote You may like UCL: They’re wounded – Mourinho reveals how Benfica will approach Real Madrid UCL: They’re the kings’ – Mourinho names favourites to win trophy this season UCL: Osimhen targets Galatasaray goal record UCL: ‘Arsenal can’t win it’ – Alan Pardew maintains only one team can win trophy this season Chelsea: I wasn’t allowed back into England – Hazard on spats with Mourinho LaLiga: Real Madrid boss, Arbeloa names one player he’s really lucky to have in his team