Mourinho starts Real Madrid return with call for responsibility and ambition

Jose Mourinho has begun his return to Real Madrid by declaring “I am back home” and promising to build a culture of work, responsibility and ambition at the Spanish club.

The Portuguese manager was presented as Real Madrid’s new head coach on Tuesday at an unusual ceremony held behind closed doors. Only a small number of images from the event were broadcast by the club’s official television channel.

Mourinho appeared alongside club president Florentino Perez as he signed a contract that will keep him at the club until June 2029.

The presentation was the first held by Real Madrid this summer. Six players have also joined the club during the same period, in addition to the new manager.

All seven formal presentations will follow the same format, with no supporters or media representatives allowed to attend. The events are restricted to club directors and people from the players’ close circles.

After the ceremony, Mourinho spoke briefly to the club’s official media about his return to Madrid and the significance of taking charge again.

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

Mourinho added, according to Spanish newspaper Marca: “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.”

The coach also underlined the standards he wants to establish during his time at the club.

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

Mourinho concluded his first official message by placing the club ahead of individual interests and addressing the supporters directly.

“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. I have always been one of you since I left,” he said.

His appointment marks a return to the club and the beginning of a new phase under a presentation process designed to be private rather than public. The ceremony’s limited access meant that supporters and journalists could follow the occasion only through the few pictures released by Real Madrid’s official channel.

With Mourinho now installed and his contract running until June 2029, the club’s first presentation of the summer has set out the tone of his message: collective improvement, a strong work ethic and a renewed sense of responsibility and ambition at Real Madrid.