Mourinho denies contact with Real Madrid and reaffirms his commitment to Benfica

LISBON. – Portuguese coach José Mourinho assured that he has not received any approach from Real Madrid given the rumors linking him with a possible return to the white bench. "No one from Real Madrid spoke to me, I can guarantee it," Mourinho stated in a press conference prior to his team, Benfica's, match against Famalicão in the Portuguese league. The coach, who led the Madrid team between 2010 and 2013, downplayed the speculation and assured that he is focused on his current project in Lisbon. In addition, he recalled that he still has a year left on his contract with the red club. Asked about his future, Mourinho avoided going into detail and reiterated that his priority is to fulfill his contract with Benfica, with the aim of taking the team back to the Champions League. The name of the experienced coach has emerged as a possible replacement for Álvaro Arbeloa in the merengue team, although Mourinho himself made it clear that he does not contemplate an immediate departure. Currently, Benfica is in second place in the Portuguese league with 75 points, seven behind the leader FC Porto, in the final stretch of the championship.