Jose Mourinho, currently the head coach of Benfica, reminisces about his time at Real Madrid, describing it as challenging, intense, and almost violent, particularly as he prepares for a Champions League playoff match against the club where he once managed. He noted that he is one of the few managers to leave Real Madrid without being dismissed, expressing pride in his departure, stating, "I left with a clean soul."

In the build-up to this match, Mourinho's past with Real Madrid looms large, as he recalls the turbulence of those years (2010-2013) and the contentious dynamics that characterized his tenure. He recognizes that despite the time that has passed, the emotional connection and complex narrative remains evident, especially as Real Madrid returns to Lisbon to face Benfica for the second time in just a few weeks, highlighting the continuing legacy of his time at the club.

Mourinho's comments invoke a sense of nostalgia for fans and analysts alike, meticulously threading the competing legacies of a team that has found success post-Mourinho with the still-resonating tensions that defined his years there. His reflection serves not only as a personal account but also as a commentary on the intense nature of top-level football management, where success, failure, and personal honor often clash dramatically.