Mourinho: 'I Had No Contact with Real Madrid or Its President by My Decision... I Don't Speak to Anyone'

José Mourinho, coach of Portuguese club Benfica, has denied reports linking him with Real Madrid to take over as manager for the upcoming season, succeeding Álvaro Arbeloa.

Mourinho stated during the press conference preceding the match against AFS Football Sad: "There is something I would like to emphasize, which is that in the world of football, players or coaches are not the only ones who have the decision to go or not to go."

He continued: "They are still talking about Real Madrid, and I am still avoiding it, but quite frankly, I have had no contact with either the president or any important person within the administrative structure, and this is by my decision, a decision similar to previous ones I have made throughout my career, especially at the end of seasons. I don't speak to anyone."

He clarified: "Therefore, I have had no contact with Real Madrid, and I will not have any contact until the last match of the tournament against Estoril. After that, there will be a one-week period where I will be free to speak with whoever I deem necessary to speak with."