Real Madrid have officially confirmed the re-appointment of José Mourinho as first-team coach, ending months of speculation over who would take charge at the Bernabeu.

The club's board of directors, chaired by president Florentino Perez, ratified the decision at a meeting on Thursday, June 11. Mourinho has signed a three-year contract running until June 30, 2029, and will officially begin his duties on July 13 when pre-season gets underway.

A dramatic homecoming

It is a remarkable return for Mourinho, 13 years after his first stint at Real Madrid came to an end. During that original spell, he spent three seasons in the Spanish capital, winning LaLiga with a record points total, lifting the Copa del Rey, and claiming the Supercopa.

Since then, the 63-year-old has managed Chelsea, Manchester United, and most recently Benfica — where he guided the club through an unbeaten league campaign last season.

Benfica confirmed Mourinho's departure hours after Real Madrid made their announcement, simultaneously naming former Fulham boss Marco Silva as his replacement.

Presidential election clears the way

Mourinho's return had been held up by a presidential election at Real Madrid. Perez won re-election on Sunday, defeating rival candidate Enrique Riquelme, and wasted no time in confirming the appointment.

The path had also been cleared administratively by the departure of Alvaro Arbeloa from the club on Tuesday.

Mourinho had originally expected to begin work two weeks earlier, following Real Madrid's final LaLiga fixture against Athletic Bilbao, but the election process delayed matters.

Perez hails 'a true Madridista'

Speaking after his re-election victory, Perez made his admiration for Mourinho clear.