Real Madrid Preisdent FLORENTINO PEREZ said that JOSE MOURINHO’s return as Chelsea Manager "could be confirmed on Monday," according to Oliver Kay of the LONDON TIMES. Chelsea has "remained silent" since Mourinho stated on April 30 he expects to return to a club “where people love me to be.” Perez said, “Mourinho is going to Chelsea. Probably on Monday he will be their new manager. We wish him good luck” (LONDON TIMES, 6/2). The London TELEGRAPH reported Mourinho "has landed at London's Heathrow airport." In a statement to the club's fans, published on the Real Madrid website on Friday, Mourinho said, "I wish everyone associated with Real Madrid much happiness in the future" (TELEGRAPH, 6/2).
EPL APOLOGY: REUTERS reported the Premier League apologized to Chelsea on Sunday after "inadvertently publishing a pre-prepared story" announcing Mourinho's return to the club. The story, later removed, appeared on the official Premier League website (www.premierleague.com) with Monday's date and the headline: "Portuguese coach is back at Stamford Bridge after signing a xx-year contract." An EPL spokesperson said that they had "spoken to Chelsea and apologised." The spokesperson said, "It was a publishing mistake. We have no prior knowledge of a pending appointment" (REUTERS, 6/2).
