Madrid challenge excites Mourinho

José Mourinho said the challenge of bringing silverware back to Real Madrid CF is what lured him to the Santiago Bernabéu after being officially unveiled as Los Merengues' coach.

Mourinho, who has signed a four-year contract, guided FC Internazionale Milano to UEFA Champions League glory at FC Bayern München's expense in the Spanish capital nine days ago. That triumph completed a historic treble for the Italian club and the 47-year-old is now tasked with bringing similar success to Madrid having replaced Manuel Pellegrini, who was dismissed last week.

Madrid, who collected the last of their nine European crowns in 2002, have not progressed beyond the UEFA Champions League first knockout round for six seasons and are without a domestic trophy since winning the Liga in 2008. "I like big challenges," said the former Chelsea FC manager, who also lifted the UEFA Champions League with FC Porto in 2004. "My attraction to Madrid came from its history, its frustrations in recent years and their expectations of winning.

"It is a unique club for a player or coach; not playing for or training this team is a major gap in one's career. I am very proud to coach Real Madrid. My biggest ambition is always the next challenge and my challenge now is Real Madrid. I will not change my level of motivation and commitment. I give my all in all the clubs I've been at and I will do the same at Real Madrid."