Alvaro Arbeloa quits Real Madrid, rules out role under Mourinho
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“I hope it is a see you later because I have always considered this my home. I’ve been a member of Real Madrid for 20 years in many capacities,” Arbeloa said.
Real Madrid coach Alvaro Arbeloa has confirmed he will leave the club at the end of the season, fueling speculation over the potential return of former manager Jose Mourinho.
Arbeloa, 43, who took charge in January after replacing Xabi Alonso, made the announcement ahead of Madrid’s final LaLiga game of the season against Athletic Club. The outgoing coach oversaw 27 matches in all competitions, winning 17, drawing 2 and losing 8, while guiding Los Blancos through another trophyless domestic campaign.
“I hope it is a see you later because I have always considered this my home. I’ve been a member of Real Madrid for 20 years in many capacities,” Arbeloa said. “It will be my last game this season as Real Madrid coach, and I don’t know if it will be the last of my life as Real Madrid coach. I’ll try to enjoy it and think about winning. From Monday, I will have to think about what is best for me. I’ve made the leap, I’ve improved a lot in these four months, and I see myself ready for new challenges.”
Arbeloa also addressed the rumours linking Mourinho with a return to the Spanish capital. “I’m not here to talk about possibilities. Mou has a fantastic coaching staff, he is very well surrounded. If he arrives, he will do it on his own, as it should. There is no chance that I can be with him. I’ve been thinking about Madrid for these four months; from now on, it’s time to think about me.”
Mourinho, who previously managed Real Madrid between 2010 and 2013, is reported to have agreed to a two-year contract after guiding Benfica through an unbeaten league season, although they fell short of the title.
Madrid ended the season 11 points behind rivals Barcelona, who secured back-to-back LaLiga titles after winning the Clasico 2-0 earlier this month. Arbeloa’s final match against Athletic offers him a chance to bow out on a high note, with Real Madrid unbeaten in their last 20 home league games against the Basque side (17 wins, 3 draws) since a 0-2 defeat under Vanderlei Luxemburgo
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