Mourinho Returns to Madrid: The Special One Flies In to Seal Three-Year Deal

Jose Mourinho is set to fly to Spain this afternoon to finalise a dramatic return to Real Madrid, replacing the ousted Alvaro Arbeloa on a three-year contract.

Mourinho Heads Straight to the Training Ground

The former Chelsea manager will depart from Lisbon and head directly to the Real Madrid training facility upon his arrival in the Spanish capital. There will be no grand unveiling or press conference today, with such formalities scheduled for the coming days. Instead, Mourinho is expected to get straight down to business, bringing five members of his trusted coaching staff with him.

Arbeloa Departs as Perez Clears the Path

The way was paved for Mourinho's return following the departure of Alvaro Arbeloa on Tuesday evening. Arbeloa, who only took over from Xabi Alonso in January, has left the club by mutual agreement. A Real Madrid statement praised the former defender, noting: