Jose Mourinho returns to Real Madrid promising a culture of responsibility and ambition

Jose Mourinho has been presented as Real Madrid’s new head coach, telling supporters “I am returning home” as he began his second spell at the club with a message centred on responsibility, honour and collective improvement.

The Portuguese manager signed a contract running until June 2029 alongside Real Madrid president Florentino Perez at a private presentation held on Tuesday.

The event was unusual for the club, taking place behind closed doors and being seen publicly only through a small number of images released by Real Madrid’s official television channel.

Mourinho’s appointment marks the first official presentation made by Real Madrid this summer. Six players have also joined the club during the same period, but all seven arrivals will follow the same format when they are formally introduced.

Each presentation will be held without supporters or media in attendance. Access will be restricted to club directors and people within the players’ close circles.

Speaking briefly to the club’s official media after the ceremony, Mourinho reflected on the significance of his return to Real Madrid.

“When I first arrived at Real Madrid, it represented the peak of professional success, as well as the emotional and personal side, so I believe this stage is more special than the first,” he said.

Mourinho previously managed Real Madrid before leaving the club, and said his renewed connection with the Spanish giants remained strong.

“I feel that this is a mission, and it goes beyond words. I am here to help everyone improve and to create a culture of work, responsibility and ambition,” he added, according to Spanish newspaper Marca.

The 2029 contract gives Mourinho a long-term mandate as he begins his latest tenure at the Santiago Bernabeu club. His first public comments focused not on individual targets but on the standards he wants to establish across the organisation.

“I also have the desire to instil a spirit of responsibility and honour in working with Real Madrid,” he said.

Mourinho concluded by making clear that the club’s interests would come before personal considerations, while also appealing directly to supporters.

“The most important thing is to work for Real Madrid, and I want that to be the case for everyone at Valdebebas. What I can say to the fans is that I am one of you, and I have always been one of you since I left,” he said.

The presentation’s closed nature means Mourinho’s first official appearance has been limited to the images distributed by Real Madrid’s own channel and his short interview after signing the agreement with Perez.