Jose Mourinho's return to Real Madrid is 'closer' after Chelsea sacking, says ex-president Ramon Calderon

Former Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon believes that Jose Mourinho's dismissal as Chelsea manager is just a precursor for his return to the Bernabeu. Calderon says the Portuguese manager will be the perfect "shield" for current under fire chief Florentino Perez as the team struggles under Rafa Benitez.

Mourinho left the the Spanish capital in 2013 after falling out with members of the squad including goalkeeping legend Iker Casillas, Cristiano Ronaldo and Pepe. He also had a torrid relationship with the Spanish media but still became a favourite with some supporters and also enjoyed a close connection with the club's board.

Last year the Portuguese manager claimed that despite ending on a sour note he would not hesitate to return to Los Blancos in the future while pointing out his "fantastic relationship with the president".

"I left Real Madrid with a fantastic relationship with the president, the executive director and the entire club after making a decision which was best for my career," he said to Portuguese TVI in September 2014 to explain his exit from the Santiago Bernabeu. "What if you could return again and join Madrid? Yes, definitely. It was an experience as a man and as a coach that I would repeat again without thinking twice."

Calderon believes that this return is now "closer" after Chelsea officially parted ways with the manager on Thursday 17 December following a poor start to the season, leaving the Blues just one point away from the relegation spots in the English Premier League.

The former president, who has been a constant critic of Perez's management of the club, says that Mourinho will be his perfect shield after earlier this season the Real Madrid supporters called for him to resign following a 4-0 defeat against Barcelona.

Following the Chelsea announcement, Calderon tweeted: "Mou closer to Madrid"

"Only a few things to sort out and he'll be here. Without doubt (Mourinho's dismissal) is the best news for Perez in the most difficult situation he has lived as president. He could not find better shield," he said. "Just for everyone to know. I've given my personal opinion in Mou's case. Not talking on behalf of anyone else."

Calderon's comments also come in a week when the future of Benitez at the Santiago Bernabeu has come under increasing scrutiny following their weekend defeat against Villarreal.

Nevertheless, Marca and AS have been reporting in recent days that Zinedine Zidane would be the one chosen to replace Benitez should Los Blancos opt for an imminent change.