No 'Special One' Premiership Return

Last updated : 23 May 2012 By Footy Mad - Editor

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... Jose Mourinho has signed a new contract with Real Madrid which ties him to the club until 2016.

News of Mourinho's decision should end speculation about his future, with recent reports linking him with the vacant managerial position at former club Chelsea.

The 49-year-old Portuguese penned an initial four-year deal when he took over at Madrid in May 2010.

Mourinho led Madrid to the Copa del Rey crown in his first season in charge and in the campaign just completed he guided the club to their first Primera Division title since 2008.

That success, which ended Barcelona's three-year reign as Spanish champions, saw Mourinho become the first coach to win the league in Spain, England (Chelsea) and Italy (Inter Milan).

Mourinho: "I've always said this squad is young and that its best years are yet to come.

"It isn't a squad with players on the verge of extinction or playing their final years of top tier football.

"The club, with its incredible social reach and structure, can adapt to the times and to what we're trying to do.

"As a manager, I always try to grow and improve.

"I've loved the professional experience I've had of working for different clubs in different countries and cultures, and to learn from that while giving my best. I've loved that process.

"It's different for me now because I'm thinking about a club long term, and that club is Real Madrid, which has been more demanding and has forced me to do my absolute best due to its difficulties.

"I've had to improve as a coach and a professional.

"I think it is the perfect challenge for the next four years because you always have to do more when things are hardest.

"I need these great challenges in the maturity of my career; I need things to force me to be better."