Jose Mourinho claims to be in a “negative” wage position at Benfica, with the Portuguese tactician saying he would “earn more” if he stayed at home and enjoyed time with his family. The ‘Special One’ has chosen not to do that, with the 62-year-old heading back to where it all began for him in a managerial capacity after taking the reins for a second time at Lisbon giants.

Sacked by Fenerbahce after defeat to Benfica

Mourinho found himself out of work after suffering a Champions League qualification defeat to Benfica, with Fenerbahce opting to part with his services on the back of that loss. A man with four European trophy wins to his name finds himself operating in elite continental competition once more.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesWhy Mourinho has returned to his roots

Ex-Porto, Chelsea, Inter, Real Madrid and Manchester United manager Mourinho insists he has returned to his roots purely out of love for the game. He wants to compete for major titles once more, having been denied those opportunities at Roma and Fenerbahce.

Love over money: Mourinho fuelled by passion

With passion fuelling one of the most colourful characters in world football, Mourinho says there is little financial incentive for him at Estadio da Luz. He told reporters: “If I stayed home until the end of the season, I'd earn more than I would working at Benfica. It's that simple.

“If I stayed and enjoyed my family, being in London, bringing them here, going to the Algarve, and doing some sightseeing, I'd earn more. If you want, believe me. I'm here… it's not even free, it's negative.

“And you ask me why? Because I really like working. I missed playing for what Benfica plays for. Playing for the title. I couldn't do it at Roma, I couldn't do it at Fenerbahce… It's a unique opportunity for me as a coach and as a person… Being at home isn't for me.”

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Getty ImagesMourinho always willing to take risks

Mourinho added: “Putting myself to the test, taking risks, being subject to winning, losing, being very good one day and terrible the next… These are things that fuel me and take me out of my comfort zone. If a lie is repeated enough times, people think it's true. In this case, the truth is: if I stayed at home until July, I would earn more than I did at Benfica.”