Valdano sacked by Real Madrid

Real Madrid director general Jorge Valdano has left the club after repeatedly butting heads with coach Jose Mourinho.

Club president Florentino Perez announced Valdano’s departure on Wednesday, saying he wanted to give Mourinho more authority in line with the role of a manager in English football.

Valdano said he was sad to leave his post, but is convinced Mourinho’s staying on will be good for the club.

“I have always respected Real Madrid. I’ve never turned the club into a battlefield,” Valdano said.

“I always put my position as director general before who I am, and I have always avoided fighting that battle.”

“I have great respect and love for this club, and all my efforts were aimed at living up to the greatness of this team.”

“I believe Jose Mourinho staying on is good for a club that’s been unstable in the past. It needs to settle for a reasonable period of time. He’s done a good job, I believe he is a good coach and I find it normal that he stays on.”

“It is always painful to leave people and places you love. The public had to know about this and I wished to say goodbye.”

Perez said giving Mourinho more power was the way forward after a season that yielded just one trophy, the Copa del Rey.

“The experience of the season just ended has shown the need for new organisation at the club, giving autonomy to our coach,” Perez said.

“This is the first step in our reorganisation process which we will develop in the coming weeks.”

“I will not hide how painful the departure of Jorge Valdano is. We have come a long way together but my feelings cannot be a reason for not fulfilling what I believe is my obligation. Jorge, I appreciate all your hard work and dedication.”

But Perez denied the Portuguese coach had pressed for Valdano to be relieved of his duties.

“Mourinho did not make any demands. He asked for more autonomy in line with how English clubs are organised,” Perez said.