José Mourinho returned to Real Madrid for the first time in 13 years, appearing in the press room at the Valdebebas training center at 9:27 in the morning, three minutes before the announced time for a press conference scheduled at an unusually early hour for Spanish standards. The Portuguese coach arrived looking tired, with dark circles under his eyes and skin tanned from the Madrid summer sun.
What caught the most attention was the Portuguese's speech, very different from what was expected. Mourinho kept his characteristic accent but abandoned his usual arrogant posture, presenting himself with gentle speech, long and reflective answers, and a conciliatory and balanced message during more than 40 minutes of press conference.
The article recalls the coach's controversial past, mentioning that he faced the Camp Nou, assaulted Barcelona's coach, opened an internal war against captain Iker Casillas, questioned Cristiano Ronaldo's individualism, and confronted journalist Antón Meana from radio station Cadena SER. Mourinho's transformation in public behavior strongly contrasts with these stories of conflict.
