Jose Mourinho said he was prepared for a "big challenge" after being unveiled as Real Madrid's new coach on Monday.

The Portuguese signed a four-year contract with the Spanish giants following his move from European champions Inter Milan.

"I like to give myself a challenge and this is a big one," Mourinho told a news conference at the Bernabeu Stadium. "I have a lot of confidence in myself and my ability as a coach.

"I want to thank the board for hiring me and I promise I will not change. I am Jose Mourinho and I arrive here with all my qualities and my defects," Mourinho added.

The 47-year-old, former manager of Porto and Chelsea, replaces Manuel Pellegrini who was sacked last week, becoming Real president Florentino Perez's eighth coach in seven years.

Pellegrini and coaches before him have complained about being isolated from decision-making at the club but Mourinho played down suggestions that he had demanded a greater say.

"I am a coach and nothing more," he said. "It's too early to speak about changes. I have to analyse the situation, ask many questions, listen to the answers, and then decide on a way forward."