​José Mourinho has directly responded to the growing speculation linking him with a sensational return to Real Madrid as a replacement for Alvaro Arbeloa. The legendary Portuguese coach, currently in charge of Benfica, also took a moment to reflect on his emotional tenure at Roma, describing the Italian capital as the standout environment of his illustrious career. Perez drives the pursuit Amid intense reports that 15-time European champions are keen on a reunion, Mourinho has played down the rumors by focusing on his current project. He is currently in charge of Benfica, but reports suggest Florentino Perez is driving the pursuit of his former manager to restore stability to a side that has struggled under Arbeloa. When pressed on the links to Real Madrid, the 'Special One' remained tight-lipped about a return to La Liga. Mourinho breaks silence on Madrid links Instead of fueling the fire regarding a second stint in the Spanish capital, the 63-year-old insisted that his focus remains on the job at hand in Lisbon. "My next target is to bring Benfica back to the Champions League," he stated in an interview with Il Giornale, seemingly cooling talk of an immediate departure, despite reports of a manageable break clause in his contract with the Portuguese giants. The response comes amid warnings from former Los Blancos star Guti, who suggested that Mourinho is no longer in his prime phase and that Perez should look elsewhere for a tactical spark. Roma remains the 'best place' for Jose Reflecting on his storied career, which includes trophy-laden spells at Chelsea, Inter, and Real Madrid, Mourinho made a surprising admission about his time in the Italian capital. Despite being sacked by Roma in January 2024, he holds the club and its fanbase in the highest regard. "For me, it’s been the best place in my career. I’ve never felt such an incredible environment around a football team. The Olimpico was always full," Mourinho revealed. The Portuguese manager guided Roma to Conference League glory in 2022 and the Europa League final the following year, creating a bond with the supporters that he believes is unmatched. He added on their struggles since his exit: "Not even when I won the Champions League did I see scenes like those. My Roma is finished. I don’t want to say anything else. Actually, just one thing. Nobody should blame the Roma fans for not winning. The Roma fans are the ones who support the team, and nobody should touch them." Pressure building on Arbeloa While Mourinho focuses on Benfica, the pressure continues to mount at the Santiago Bernabéu. Arbeloa was appointed to lead the first team in January following Xabi Alonso’s departure, but he is under intense pressure after a poor run of results, and the hierarchy is reportedly searching for an elite figure to navigate a transition period. While Mourinho is a primary candidate for Perez, he is not the only name in the hat for the job. Other high-profile managers such as Argentina's Lionel Scaloni, USMNT boss Mauricio Pochettino, and Stuttgart's Sebastian Hoeness have all been linked with the post. If Mourinho were to return, it would mark his first stint in Madrid since 2010-2013, a period defined by his intense rivalry with Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona. Read More

​On Wednesday night, 24-year-old American international Johnny Cardoso etched his name into the history books and joined an elite club among USA soccer greats. After seeing just 60 seconds of action in the quarterfinal clincher against Barcelona, Cardoso was a surprise inclusion in the starting XI for the first leg of the Champions League semifinal against Arsenal. In doing so, the New Jersey-born star became just the third American to ever start a semifinal match of the world's most prestigious club competition. Born in the States but raised in Brazil, the midfielder provided the steel and composure Atlético needed against a high-flying Gunners attack. He joins an ultra-exclusive club of Americans to reach this altitude, trailing only the likes of Christian Pulisic. While Cardoso didn’t find the back of the net to match Pulisic’s famous semifinal goal record, his presence allowed Atlético to claw back into a game that looked to be slipping away in the first half. Griezmann's last dance in Madrid Antoine Griezmann made the most of his final home match with Atlético Madrid in the Champions League on Wednesday. Griezmann didn't score despite having a few good opportunities, but he led Atlético's attack along with Julian Alvarez and was named the game's most valuable player following the 1-1 draw with Arsenal in the first leg of the semifinals. "It's a shame I couldn't find the net," said Griezmann, who is joining MLS club Orlando City this summer. "But it will happen in the second leg for sure. We all put in a great effort." Griezmann's best chance at the Metropolitano stadium was a second-half shot that hit the crossbar. He also came close with a strike from inside the area. The 35-year-old Griezmann missed a penalty kick in the 2016 Champions League final that Atlético lost to Real Madrid. "We want to reach the final," Griezmann said. "It's my dream. I’ve prepared a lot for this match and the one we will have in London, and hopefully we can make it to the final." The France playmaker said Atlético deserved a better result after improving in the second half at the Metropolitano. "The bad minutes we played in the first half hurt a bit," Griezmann said. "We fixed a couple of things tactically for the second half and we were able to pressure better and move better. The fans kept pushing and it also helped." Griezmann is Atlético’s all-time leading scorer but his minutes have been managed by coach Diego Simeone this season. He's spent 10 seasons with Atlético. He also played for Real Sociedad and Barcelona. "We all want to make it to the final," Atlético midfielder Koke Resurreccion said, "and hopefully the game in London won't be the last one for Griezmann in this competition." The Associated Press contributed to this report. Read More