Jose Mourinho turned down the chance to return to Real Madrid in favour of waiting for the Manchester United job this summer, according to reports.
Madrid today sacked Rafael Benitez after just seven months in charge of the team, replacing him with club legend Zinedine Zidane in what is the Frenchman's first major managerial role.
However, Spanish outlet El Pais reports that Madrid chairman Florentino Perez was initially keen to bring Mourinho back to the Bernabeu and approached the Portuguese manager twice over a potential return.
The report claims that the first approach came a week before Mourinho was sacked by Chelsea, while Madrid got in touch for a second time after his reign at Stamford Bridge had come to an end.
Mourinho allegedly rejected both approaches, however, as he is keen to take over at Manchester United this summer should the Old Trafford post become available.
The two-time Champions League winner was heavily linked with taking over from Louis van Gaal at United, although speculation over Van Gaal's future has lessened slightly following a recent upturn in performances and results.
Mourinho's decision was also reportedly influenced by dressing-room unrest at a potential return to the Bernabeu, with the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Sergio Ramos, Karim Benzema, Pepe, Marcelo and Dani Carvajal thought to be against the idea.
The 52-year-old won a league title and the Copa del Rey during his first stint as Madrid boss, although there have been reports that Perez still believes Mourinho is the man to bring further Champions League success to the club.
Barney Corkhill
