Jose Mourinho's message to Bruno Lage shortly before taking over from him at Benfica speaks volumes about his character. The former Chelsea and Manchester United boss was sacked by Fenerbahce last month.

His dismissal came just two days after the Turkish giants were eliminated from the Champions League play-offs by Lage and Benfica. The Eagles held Mourinho's side to a goalless draw at the Chobani Stadium - before emerging 1-0 winners in the reverse clash in Lisbon.

And, despite securing progression to Europe's premier football tournament, Lage was sacked the day after their opening clash of the league phase. Benfica fell to Qarabag at the Estadio da Luz on Tuesday evening in a 3-2 loss, tossing away a two-goal advantage in the process.

Lage was subsequently sacked on Wednesday and Benfica president, Rui Costa, shared his intentions of finding a new boss by the weekend. Speaking to the media, he said: "A Benfica coach's profile must be that of a winner.

"A coach representing a club of this size must be one with the ability to bring this team to the levels we demand and give us the titles we desire. There's no point in talking about names here.

"No coach has been appointed, nor has any coach been mentioned to represent Benfica in the future."

Having managed the club at the turn of the millenium, Mourinho was heavily linked with a return to As Águias after Lage's dismissal. He was swarmed by journalists as he arrived at the Tires Aerodrome on Wednesday afternoon and, while he stayed tight-lipped about his plans, he didn't shy away from sharing his interest in the job.

As per A Bola, Mourinho - wearing a Benfica scarf - said: "Before boarding the plane, they asked me if I might be interested. And I said yes, I might be interested. Benfica officially asked me if I might be interested.

"I said I was abroad and that when I returned to Portugal, I'd be happy to speak with people. When I was faced with the possibility of coaching Benfica, I didn't think twice; I'm interested."

Paying homage to Lage, he added: "He needs to do what we all do - grieve. I don't that think there's a coach who doesn't leave frustrated and thinking things could have turned out differently.

"I look at him with immense respect and solidarity because I went through the same thing. And not long ago.

"What I said about him a month and a half ago, I repeat - he's a great coach who had a group of important players whom I congratulated. And they know I'm not exactly a great example of fair play."

He continued: "Congratulating them, telling them that the best won and deserved to win, wasn't easy. He knows Benfica very well, he played against this team three times, he often praised the squad, he said I was happy, he will be even more so with [Heorhiy] Sudakov and Dodi [Lukebakio] arriving."

It comes as Mourinho was announced as Lage's successor with Benfica on Thursday - agreeing on a deal until 2027 with a break clause at the end of 2025/26. Speaking about the task, he said: "The promise is very clear - I will live for Benfica, for my mission. I'm not the important thing, Benfica is important."

Jose Mourinho shows true colours with classy message to manager he's just replaced - The Mirror