The 63-year-old head coach returns to face his former club in Tuesday’s (17.02.26) Champions League play-off first leg amid speculation linking him with a potential return to the Santiago Bernabeu.
Reports in Spain had suggested Mourinho inserted a clause in his 18-month contract with Benfica allowing him to speak to Real Madrid if approached by president Florentino Perez, however, he has now dismissed the claims and insisted his focus is solely on Benfica.
When asked if he could reject an approach from Perez, Mourinho said: “Can you say no? Yes. Yes you can.
“I gave everything to Real Madrid, everything that I had. I did good things, I did bad things, but I gave absolutely everything and that’s all. I left 12 years ago and I’ve always had the feeling and the affection is there.
“When someone leaves a club with those type of feelings, I think a connection always exists. The fans think highly of me and that is fantastic, but with this I don’t want to feed stories that don’t exist …
“The only thing that exists is that I have one year left on my contract with Benfica. It’s a special contract as it was signed during the presidential election process. It has a clause that can easily be broken by me or Benfica. There’s zero with Real Madrid.”
Mourinho managed Real between 2010 and 2013, winning La Liga, the Copa del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup.
Although he did not deliver the Champions League during his tenure, he maintains a strong relationship with the club hierarchy.
The clause in his Benfica deal was included as a safeguard during the club’s presidential elections, offering flexibility to any incoming leadership.
However, Rui Costa’s re-election rendered the scenario irrelevant, according to Mourinho.
Benfica defeated Madrid 4-2 in the league phase in January and now meet again over two legs for a place in the knockout rounds.
Mourinho has insisted the match is not an audition for a return to Spain and expressed support for current Madrid boss Alvaro Arbeloa, who played under him.
He said: “I would love to eliminate Real Madrid but I would love for Alvaro to win La Liga and to remain at Madrid for many years.
“He is very capable, has a lot of Madridista in him and has the personality to coach Real Madrid, which is not for everyone.”
Mourinho added he is expecting a tougher test this time.
He added: “The Real Madrid I expect tomorrow is the Real Madrid who are the No. 1 favourites to win the Champions League.
“I don’t think a miracle is needed for Benfica to eliminate Real Madrid. Benfica needs to be at their absolute best - almost reaching perfection, which doesn’t exist. But not a miracle.”
