Mou's return to Chelsea prompts old memories

It was upon Jose Mourinho's arrival at Chelsea in 2004 that he proclaimed himself a “special one”, although that sheen has worn away two decades on as he returns to Stamford Bridge today with Benfica.

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The Portuguese coach claims he is more “humble” and “altruistic” these days, but at his Benfica presentation he still made the point that even though he is considered to have struggled in recent years, he has led two teams to European finals.

Bringing those big nights and silverware to Benfica is the 62-year-old’s new mission, after he was sacked by Turkish side Fenerbahce in August.

Mourinho won the Champions League with Porto and Inter Milan, as well as three Premier League titles in two spells at Chelsea and La Liga with Real Madrid, and is a bigger 'celebrity' than Portuguese sides are accustomed to having on their benches.

Benfica president Rui Costa is believed to have turned towards Mourinho to give himself extra weight in upcoming club elections in October, although he denied that.

"Mourinho is Benfica's coach because we believe he has all the credentials to lead a club like ours," insisted Costa.