Jose Mourinho, the manager of Benfica, has spoken out about rumored negotiations with Real Madrid to return to the Santiago Bernabéu this summer, despite several rumors that he is the front-runner to succeed Alvaro Arbeloa.

Since no obvious replacement has surfaced, the Portuguese manager is regarded as one of the favorites for the position.

Mourinho continues to be a well-known figure alongside Massimiliano Allegri, Mauricio Pochettino, and Unai Emery, even though Jurgen Klopp was once again ruled out this week. According to recent reports, Florentino Pérez, the president of Real Madrid, now favors Mourinho.

“No, nobody from Real Madrid spoke to me, I can guarantee that. I’ve been in football for too many years, just like you have in journalism, and we’re used to these things, but nothing from Real Madrid,” Mourinho declared on Friday, May 1.

Despite being repeatedly probed on the subject, Mourinho remained steadfast that there has been no contact with the Spanish giants.

“Nothing. I can’t say anything more. I already told your colleague that, regarding Real Madrid, nothing, and regarding Benfica, you already know the situation. I have one year left on my contract with Benfica, and that’s all.”

Pérez and Mourinho maintained a close relationship during the manager’s first stint at the club from 2009 to 2013.

The president is reportedly leading the search for Arbeloa’s replacement, though a definitive option has yet to materialize. One major hurdle for Mourinho is his response to a racist incident involving Vinicius Junior at the Estádio da Luz earlier this season, with reports suggesting the Real Madrid dressing room is not keen on his return.