Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has paid tribute to outgoing coach Jose Mourinho, saying that he has played a significant part in the club's history.
Perez revealed earlier today that Mourinho will leave the club by mutual consent at the end of the current La Liga season after weeks of speculation linking him with a return to Chelsea.
Despite Mourinho only being in charge at the Bernabeu for three years, Perez hailed his longevity and insists that he will always be fondly remembered by the Spanish giants.
"It is a sad day, but I wish Mourinho the best. This club will always remember him, he forms part of our history," said Perez.
"Mourinho has spent more time at this club than any other coach has at the 20 clubs in the Primera Division, which shows it is not easy to last at a club for three years, especially at a club where there is as much pressure as this one.
"Each coach has his own personality, but you cannot doubt his competitive attitude. Has he made mistakes on the odd occasion? Of course, but the level of pressure at this club is not normal."
Paris Saint-Germain coach Carlo Ancelotti is currently the favourite to succeed Mourinho, although Perez insists that they have not made a decision regarding a new manager yet.
Barney Corkhill
