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06/09 17:18 CDT Benfica says Mourinho has agreed to move to Real Madrid after
Arbeloa departure announced
Benfica says Mourinho has agreed to move to Real Madrid after Arbeloa departure
announced
MADRID (AP) --- Benfica said late Tuesday that its coach Jos Mourinho had
agreed to return to Real Madrid, which earlier announced that it had parted
ways with coach Alvaro Arbeloa.
Madrid President Florentino Prez had vowed to bring Mourinho back as part of
his campaign promises that led to his re-election on Sunday.
In a note to shareholders, Benfica said that Madrid had formally agreed to pay
Benfica 15 million euros ($17.3 million) for Mourinho with the Portuguese coach
agreeing to the move.
Benfica added: "Thank you, Jos Mourinho."
Madrid has made no official announcement.
Mourinho, who was featured in promotional material for Prez during the
campaign, would be back for a second stint at Madrid. He coached the club from
2010-2013.
Arbeloa's departure was already expected and he had talked about it at the end
of the season.
Madrid said Tuesday it was "deeply grateful" to Arbeloa, "who throughout his
career at the club, from the time he joined our academy, has always
demonstrated loyalty, commitment, and professionalism."
Arbeloa took over the helm in January to replace Xabi Alonso amid the team's
struggles.
Arbeloa was not able to put Madrid back on track and the club endured a second
straight season without a major trophy.
Last month, Arbeloa gave his blessing to former boss Mourinho's return to
Madrid, saying he would "be happy to see him back home."
Arbeloa played for Madrid when Mourinho was in charge of the club --- a
tumultuous time in which Madrid won Spanish league and Copa del Rey titles but
was overshadowed by Pep Guardiola's great Barcelona side. Mourinho's abrasive
attitude to opponents like Guardiola as well as some of his own players turned
off many in Spain. He also had his faithful backers, like Arbeloa and some
hardcore fans.
Arbeloa saw Madrid struggle toward the end of the season and watched some of
his players get into altercations during training. The team was eliminated by
Bayern Munich in the Champions League and couldn't catch up with Barcelona in
the Spanish league.
Prez's campaign promises included a high-profile signing. On Tuesday, the club
said that city rival Atletico Madrid rejected an offer of 150 million euros
($173 million) for Argentina forward Julin Alvarez.
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AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer
