Jose Mourinho has revealed why he agreed to return as Real Madrid head coach, saying the club asked him to rebuild after two disappointing seasons. The 63-year-old gave his first detailed account of the summer reunion in an interview with the Bet It Drives podcast.

'I have come back because Real Madrid wanted me to come back,' Mourinho said, according to Diario AS. 'We need you to rebuild. We need you to start again the incredible decade the club has had.' He said he had been happy at Benfica, but added: 'Real Madrid is Real Madrid.'

Mourinho, who replaced Alvaro Arbeloa in June, returned to the Bernabeu 13 years after his first spell ended in 2013. Reports say he has had a mixed start as he tries to restore the club's standards and repair its relationship with supporters.

Why it matters: Mourinho's second act will be judged on silverware. If he can turn a dressing room of superstars into a winning culture again, Madrid's gamble on the past will look visionary.