Real Madrid assistant manager Aitor Karanka has offered confirmation of the worst kept secret in football; Jose Mourinho has agreed a return to Chelsea.
Widespread reports have strongly linked Mourinho with a move back to Stamford Bridge, with the most recent developments claiming the Portuguese has signed a multi-million pound four-year contract during a recent trip to London.
Mourinho, who announced earlier this month he would be leaving Madrid after three years at the Bernabeu, has previously insisted he had not made a decision regarding his future.
Likewise, Chelsea have remained adamant that no deal is in place to bring back the ‘Special One.’
While there is still yet to be official confirmation from the Europa League winners, Karanka’s revelations have all but cemented Mourinho’s retun to the club he led to back-to-back Premier League titles.
“Mourinho has joined Chelsea,” said Karanka. “He offered me the chance to go with him but Real Madrid hasn’t told me I’ll be released.
“I’ve still got three years left on my contract and I’d have to pay them to leave.
“If I do go though, I’ll join Mourinho at Chelsea – or maybe even become a manager at a top French club.”
Mourinho first took charge of Chelsea a year into the Roman Abramovich era and led the club during the most successful spell in their history.
He guided the Blues to the Premier League title in his first season before defending it the following year, as well as winning an FA Cup and two League Cups.
After his shock exit in 2007, Mourinho joined Serie A giants Inter Milan, who enjoyed incredible success under the former Porto boss.
In his first season, Inter secured the Scudetto before claiming a league, Cup and Champions League treble in 2010.
In his time at Madrid, Mourinho has polarised opinion, with many critics claiming his haul of one La Liga title, a Copa del Rey and Super Cup should be considered a failure, despite his league triumph saw Los Blancos conquer the mighty Barcelona.
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– OPINION: Mourinho never a Real fit at Madrid, unlike Ancelotti
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