José Mourinho has reaffirmed his deep connection with Real Madrid after returning to the club, insisting that he has always considered himself a Madridista.
Speaking to the club's supporters, Mourinho looked back on his previous spell in Madrid and made it clear that his relationship with the club goes beyond his time as head coach.
“I am one of you. But not just today; I have always been, since the day I was presented in 2010, the day I left in 2013, I am one of you.”
Mourinho also recalled the reception he received from Real Madrid supporters during the 2024 Champions League final at Wembley, when Madrid defeated Borussia Dortmund.
“I have a fantastic memory of Wembley when WE beat Dortmund, and the affection that was shown to me that day,” he said.
For Mourinho, those memories remain a strong reminder of the bond he shares with the Madrid fanbase.
Mourinho: “I Am Here to Work for Real Madrid”
The Portuguese coach also made his purpose clear as he begins his latest chapter at the club.
“I am here to work FOR Real Madrid. Everyone should follow this way,” Mourinho said.
He wants everyone working at Valdebebas to share that mentality and understand that their responsibilities extend beyond their individual roles.
“I want everyone that enters Valdebebas to feel it, that we are working FOR Real Madrid,” he added.
The message places emphasis on collective responsibility, something Mourinho appears determined to establish within the club.
“This Is a Mission”
Mourinho described his return to Real Madrid as something much bigger than simply taking on another football job.
“I feel this is a MISSION. It goes beyond words,” he said.
The Portuguese coach explained that his objective is to help those around him improve while establishing a culture built around hard work, responsibility and ambition.
“I am here to help everyone become better and to create a culture of work, responsibility and ambition.”
He also stressed the importance of understanding the privilege that comes with representing Real Madrid.
“I also want to instill the responsibility and honor of working for Real Madrid.”
A Message Built Around Identity
Mourinho's comments are particularly significant because they focus less on himself and more on what he believes it means to represent Real Madrid.
He repeatedly referred to himself as a Madridista, while making it clear that his current mission is to serve the club and help everyone around him work towards the same objective.
More than a decade after his first arrival in Madrid, Mourinho is once again presenting himself as someone who feels personally connected to the club.
“I really am one of you.”