Jose Mourinho claims Florentino Perez offered him an opportunity to return to Real Madrid in 2015 before they hired Rafa Benitez.

“The president values me and wanted me to return to Real Madrid and oversee a clear-out which would have included players such as Pepe, Ramos, Marcelo… I told him that it was too late.”

Mourinho said Zinedine Zidane was also considered and he was surprised the job went to Rafa Benitez.

He was considered due to his profile and status, but he made a mess of things at Castilla and Perez was worried about taking a risk. Klopp was another name highly touted but never Rafa.”