Mourinho begins his journey with Real Madrid ... Al-Khateeb returns to the Royals

Portuguese manager Jose Mourinho (63) expressed strong confidence and a deep sense of love for Real Madrid during his first appearance in the preparations for the Spanish club’s start of his second spell with the royal team.

Speaking to the club’s official website on Friday, Mourinho said: “Words are not enough because this is like a mission. It is not about me or whether I will win a lot or a little. I am here to help everyone become better: the players and the coaching staff, to create a work culture, to take responsibility alongside ambition, and also something I know well: responsibility and honor in working for Real Madrid. I love this concept very much. Not working at Real Madrid, but working for Real Madrid. And this is the spirit that brought me here.”

Mourinho added: “Let us make the most of the next two weeks with a positive spirit, because, of course, I want all the players here. Let us look at things positively, which means getting to know the players I will work with. They will have the opportunity during the season. Many of these players will be here at Castilla, and I love contributing to the development of that area, and there will be some world champions here as well.”

For his part, Sami Khedira, winner of the 2014 World Cup with the German national team and a former Real Madrid player, said: “The position at Real Madrid now gives me the opportunity to take the next step in my sporting career.”