Benfica manager José Mourinho has reacted to speculation surrounding his possible return to Real Madrid following the sacking of Xabi Alonso.

'The Special One' will host his former club in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 playoff first-leg tie at Estádio da Luz on Tuesday night.

The second leg will take place at the Santiago Bernabéu next week.

Mourinho, who coached Real Madrid from 2010 to 2013, will be facing his former defender Álvaro Arbeloa, who replaced Alonso on an interim basis for the remainder of the season.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference, the Portuguese tactician was asked if he could decline another invitation to coach Madrid, and he responded:

“Can you say no? Yes,” Mourinho told reporters.

“Yes, you can.

“I gave everything to Real Madrid, everything that I had. I did good things, I did bad things, but I gave absolutely everything and that’s all.”

Mourinho’s Benfica side beat Real Madrid 4-2 in their last league-phase match to secure a spot in the playoffs.

WDN