Jose Mourinho has disclosed that he recently refused to engage in discussions regarding a new contract with Benfica, choosing instead to postpone any decision until next week.
The ex-Chelsea and Manchester United boss admitted that the Portuguese club presented a fresh offer to his agent midweek. However, the 63-year-old felt it was an inappropriate moment to negotiate, as speculation continues to link him with a summer move to Real Madrid.
Mourinho, whose current Benfica contract includes an option for an additional year, confirmed that he deliberately ignored the proposal details. He plans to carefully evaluate his future after Benfica’s weekend clash with Estoril, with Champions League qualification at stake.
“The offer came on Wednesday,” Mourinho told reporters. “It was handed to my agent, but I refused to look at it or consider it. I’ll turn my attention to it from Sunday onward — maybe Sunday itself.”
The former Real Madrid manager has repeatedly been tipped to return to the Santiago Bernabéu, where he previously enjoyed a successful tenure between 2010 and 2013. Insiders suggest that an agreement could be finalized in the coming weeks, with Mourinho’s vast experience making him a prime candidate to lead a new project.
With Benfica aiming to secure a top-four finish and Champions League group-stage entry, Mourinho’s immediate focus remains on the pitch. He made it clear that his allegiance to Benfica remains solid until a final decision is announced.