Patrice Evra has described Real Madrid as Jose Mourinho’s “home” as the Portuguese manager prepares for his return to the Spanish club, 13 years after leaving the Santiago Bernabeu.
The comments from the well-known former France international underline Mourinho’s enduring connection with the Madrid side. Evra spoke about the manager’s feelings towards the “royal club”, referring to Real Madrid as a place with a particularly important place in Mourinho’s career and identity.
Mourinho returned to Real Madrid in June, bringing an end to a 13-year absence from the club. His new contract with Los Blancos runs until 2029, confirming a long-term commitment between the Portuguese coach and the Spanish giants.
Evra’s assessment was summarised by the words: “Real Madrid is his home.”
The statement comes as Real Madrid prepare to begin their La Liga campaign. The Madrid side will face Espanyol on Saturday in the opening round of the competition, giving Mourinho his first opportunity to lead the club in a league match since his return.
Mourinho’s comeback has placed his relationship with Real Madrid back at the centre of attention. Although he left the club 13 years ago, Evra’s comments suggest that the connection between the manager and the Spanish institution has remained strong during his time away.
The length of Mourinho’s contract also reflects the importance of his return. The agreement, which lasts until 2029, means the Portuguese manager is scheduled to remain in charge of Real Madrid for several seasons rather than taking on a short-term role.
For Real Madrid, Saturday’s match against Espanyol will be the first La Liga fixture of this new period under Mourinho. For the manager, it will mark the beginning of his latest league campaign with a club that Evra believes represents more than simply another coaching position.
Evra is a prominent former French footballer, while Mourinho is one of the most recognisable Portuguese managers in the game. Their comments and connection to the story have drawn attention to the personal significance of Mourinho’s return, with Real Madrid once again described as the manager’s home.
The match with Espanyol will therefore provide the immediate sporting focus, but the wider story is Mourinho’s renewed association with Real Madrid. After 13 years away, he has returned to the “royal club” on a contract that extends to 2029, with Evra presenting the move as a homecoming rather than a routine change of manager.