Real Madrid have confirmed that coach Manuel Pellegrini has left the club.

The former Villarreal man had been strongly linked with the sack since the capital city side’s Champions League round-of-16 exit at the hands of Lyon in March and the decision was finally confirmed this evening.

“We have decided that Jose Mourinho will be the coach,” Real Madrid president Florentino Perez told a press conference.

Despite leading the Blancos to the best points total in the club’s history, Real were eclipsed by La Liga champions Barcelona who finished the campaign with a remarkable 99 points.

Perez added that he wished “to acknowledge the impeccable professionalism and dedication” of the Chilean before insisting that “it is time to give a boost to our project.”

Jose Mourinho is set to be officially unveiled as the club’s new coach in the coming days once Los Blancos finalise the details of his contract and reach a settlement with his current club Inter.