Jose Mourinho has fueled speculation linking him with a return to Real Madrid after admitting he is no longer focused on extending his contract with Benfica.
The Portuguese manager appeared emotional after Benfica’s 2-2 draw against Braga on Monday, with his comments widely interpreted as a possible farewell to the squad ahead of the final game of the season.
Mourinho had previously insisted in March that he was ready to sign a new two-year deal without hesitation. However, his latest remarks suggest a shift in that position as reports continue to grow over interest from Real Madrid.
Mourinho distances himself from Benfica extension
Speaking after the draw, Mourinho admitted discussions about his future had been pushed aside during Benfica’s run-in.
“No. Because March 1st is March 1st,” Mourinho said when asked if his earlier commitment to renew still stood.
“The last week of the championship is not for thinking about the future, it’s not for thinking about contracts. It’s for thinking about the mission we had.”
The former Chelsea and Manchester United boss added that he deliberately isolated himself from transfer speculation in order to focus fully on Benfica’s campaign.
“I decided that I didn’t want to listen to anyone. I wanted to be isolated in my workspace,” he explained.
Mourinho also insisted he has not spoken to any other club despite ongoing reports linking him with a second spell at Madrid.
“I continue to say that I haven’t spoken to anyone from another club,” he said. “Now there’s talk of Real Madrid, but it could be any other club.”
Emotional comments fuel farewell talk
The 63-year-old also paid tribute to his players, describing the squad as one he deeply enjoyed working with throughout the season.
“It’s a group I had a lot of fun with,” Mourinho said. “I always went to training happy to be with them.”
Although he denied directly saying goodbye, Mourinho admitted football can often be “ungrateful” and defended his players against criticism following the Braga result.
Benfica will conclude their league season against Estoril Praia this weekend, with Mourinho expected to clarify his future afterward.