'Life's great... I'll be back at the Bridge by the weekend' - Mourinho lands in London to finalise Chelsea deal



Jose Mourinho last night confirmed football’s worst-kept secret — that he is returning to manage Chelsea.

The Special One touched down at Heathrow late yesterday afternoon and was immediately photographed by members of the public. Within minutes the pictures were posted on Twitter, with excited Chelsea fans welcoming Jose home.

He later told Spanish television: ‘At the end of the week I will be the manager of Chelsea. I feel the people there love me and in life you have to look for that. Life is beautiful and short and you must look for what you think is best for you.’

Welcome back: Jose Mourinho arrived at Heathrow on Sunday ahead of completing his return to Chelsea

Blunder: The article on the Premier League website prematurely announcing Mourinho's comeback

The Portuguese, who is expected to be unveiled in the next 48 hours, flew in just hours after his final match in charge of Real Madrid had finished.

MOURINHO'S CHELSEA ROLL OF HONOUR 2004-2007

Premier League (2): 2004-05, 2005-06 FA Cup (1): 2006-07 Football League Cup (2): 2004-05, 2006-07 FA Community Shield (1): 2005

Madrid president Florentino Perez had earlier told Sky Sports the 50-year-old would be returning to Stamford Bridge this summer.

Perez, who was yesterday re-elected as Real president after running unopposed, added in an interview with ABC: ‘The door isn’t closed on Mourinho. He leaves saddened after struggling to understand what the media are like here.’

Mourinho’s move to Chelsea may be the most predictable transfer of the summer, but the Premier League jumped the gun when they announced the news on their website.

A story appeared online yesterday morning, bearing the headline: ‘Portuguese coach is back at Stamford Bridge after signing a xx-year contract.’

Cat out of the bag: Real Madrid president Perez confirmed that Mourinho is returning to Chelsea

Goodbye: Mourinho ended his three-year reign at Real Madrid with a 4-2 win over Osasuna

PEREZ TO CONTINUE AT REAL

Florentino Perez will continue as the president of Real Madrid for the next four years.

The 66-year-old Florentino ran unopposed in club elections after Madrid ended the season without a major trophy.

Perez was Madrid president from 2000-06 and then returned to begin his second tenure in 2009.

The story, datelined today, continued by saying: ‘Mourinho returns for a second stint as Chelsea manager’ and detailed his previous achievements with the club.

It was later removed from the site, and a red-faced Premier League spokesman was forced to apologise, saying: ‘It was a publishing error. We took it down as soon as we were notified of it, and we’ve spoken to and apologised to Chelsea.

‘We have no prior knowledge of any movement or any announcement (regarding Mourinho).’

Mourinho won one league title and two domestic cups in three turbulent years at Real Madrid, but his relationship with the club had soured significantly in recent times.

Stare: Cristiano Ronaldo was left out of the final match of the season by Mourinho with a back injury

His failure to win the Champions League was a major problem, as was his abrasive attitude and treatment of key players.

Finishing 15 points behind champions Barcelona in the league this season did not help.

Despite an increasingly fraught relationship with the club, Mourinho was determined to leave Madrid on positive terms. Prior to his final match, he said: ‘I wish everyone associated with Real Madrid much happiness in the future. I appreciate the support of lots of fans and respect the criticism of others.’

The criticism has grown louder as his Madrid career has drawn to a close, but few managers will receive a warmer welcome at Stamford Bridge than the returning Special One.

Cheers and jeers: Mourinho was greeted with a mixed reaction during Real Madrid's match against Osasuna

Glory days: Mourinho won the Premier League two seasons in a row during his first spell in charge at Chelsea

Silverware: Mourinho led Chelsea to victory in the FA Cup final in 2007 but left just four months later

Ricardo Carvalho, who played in defence under Mourinho at Porto, Chelsea and Real Madrid, added to growing expectations, saying his former manager will make an instant impact at his old club.

‘They (Chelsea) are doing well but it is important to improve,’ he said. ‘They won the Europa League (this season) but the Premier League is important. In two or three years I’m sure, but also in his first year he can win again. In 2004 when we went there, he won in his first year and he can do the same.’

Mourinho is the most decorated manager in Chelsea history, winning six trophies in just over three years at the club, including Chelsea’s first league title in 50 years. The spectre of his success has loomed over every manager since.