MADRID (AP) 鈥� Benfica said late Tuesday that its coach Jos茅 Mourinho had agreed to return to , which earlier announced that it had parted ways with coach 脕lvaro Arbeloa.
Madrid President Florentino P茅rez had vowed to as part of his campaign promises that led to his re-election on Sunday.
In a note to shareholders, Benfica said that Madrid had formally agreed to pay Benfica 15 million euros ($17.3 million) for Mourinho with the Portuguese coach agreeing to the move.
Benfica added: “Thank you, Jos茅 Mourinho.”
Madrid has made no official announcement.
Mourinho, who was featured in promotional material for P茅rez during the campaign, would be back for a second stint at Madrid. He coached the club from 2010-2013.
Arbeloa鈥檚 departure was already expected and he had talked about it at the end of the season.
Madrid said Tuesday it was 鈥渄eeply grateful鈥� to Arbeloa, 鈥渨ho throughout his career at the club, from the time he joined our academy, has always demonstrated loyalty, commitment, and professionalism.鈥�
Arbeloa took over the helm in January to replace Xabi Alonso amid the team’s struggles.
Arbeloa was not able to put Madrid back on track and the club endured a second straight season without a major trophy.
Last month, Arbeloa gave his blessing to former boss Mourinho’s return to Madrid, saying he would “be happy to see him back home.鈥�
Arbeloa played for Madrid when Mourinho was in charge of the club 鈥� a tumultuous time in which Madrid won Spanish league and Copa del Rey titles but was overshadowed by Pep Guardiola鈥檚 great Barcelona side. Mourinho鈥檚 abrasive attitude to opponents like Guardiola as well as some of his own players turned off many in Spain. He also had his faithful backers, like Arbeloa and some hardcore fans.
Arbeloa saw Madrid struggle toward the end of the season and watched get into altercations during training. The team was eliminated by Bayern Munich in the Champions League and couldn’t catch up with Barcelona in the Spanish league.
P茅rez’s campaign promises included a high-profile signing. On Tuesday, the club said that ($173 million) for Argentina forward Juli谩n 脕lvarez.
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