Mourinho takes Madrid bow

31 May 2010 12:59

Jose Mourinho has been presented at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium as the new coach of Real Madrid on Monday, signing a four-year deal with the Spanish side.

The Portuguese coach moves from Serie A outfit Inter Milan, where he helped guide the side to a Coppa Italia, Serie A and Champions League treble-winning campaign. Mourinho, who becomes the Spanish giants' ninth coach in six years, replaces Manuel Pellegrini.

"Mourinho has signed a contract for four seasons. It's an honour to have with us one of the most prestigious coaches in the world," said Real sporting director Jorge Valdano.

"We are delighted to have him here with us. The best thing for our club right now, is to have Mourinho with us."

Mourinho, 47, terminated his contract with Inter last week after two seasons at the club. Real have paid Inter a reported eight million euros (£6.8million) in compensation.

Mourinho said: "I don't know if I was born to coach Real Madrid but I was born to be a football coach. I love important challenges.

"I am Jose Mourinho and I don't change. I arrive with all my qualities and my defects.

"My attraction to Real Madrid is due to its history, its frustrations in recent years and its expectations to win.

"It's a unique club and I believe that not to coach Real leaves a void in a coach's career. Luckily, I've had a beautiful career and it makes me proud to have come here.

"I am very enthusiastic. I want my players to think that way. The beauty is not so much to train or play at Real, but to win at Real Madrid."

Source: PA