LISBON, Sept. 17 (Xinhua) -- Jose Mourinho was confirmed Wednesday as the new head coach of Portuguese giants Benfica, replacing Bruno Lage, according to national broadcaster RTP.
Speaking to local media, Mourinho said Benfica had contacted him and expressed their wish for his return. "Which coach would say no to Benfica? Not me," he said.
The move followed Benfica's shocking 3-2 home defeat to Qarabag of Azerbaijan in the opening round of the UEFA Champions League group stage. After taking a two-goal lead, the Eagles collapsed in the second half, prompting the club to dismiss Lage immediately after the match.
Mourinho, 62, had been without a job since August, when he was dismissed by Turkiye's Fenerbahce following a Champions League qualifying loss to Benfica. He returned to Portugal soon after and has remained out of work until now. Benfica confirmed Mourinho has signed a contract running until the end of the current season.
Mourinho briefly managed Benfica during the 2000-01 season. His return to Lisbon now raises the question of whether the "Special One" can once again deliver glory to his boyhood club. ■
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