Alvaro Arbeloa Confirms Exit From Real Madrid As Mourinho Closes In On Return

Real Madrid head coach Alvaro Arbeloa has confirmed he will leave the club at the end of the season, with Jose Mourinho set to take over at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Alvaro Arbeloa, 43, stepped up from managing Real Madrid B in January after replacing former team-mate Xabi Alonso. His spell in charge will end after a disappointing campaign in which Madrid failed to win a major trophy.

Mourinho, currently in charge of Benfica, is understood to be in final talks with Madrid over a return to the club he managed between 2010 and 2013.

Speaking ahead of Saturday’s final La Liga game at home to Athletic Bilbao, Arbeloa ruled out staying on as part of Mourinho’s backroom staff.

“Mou has a fantastic technical team, he’s got good people around him, if he comes to Madrid he will come with his team,” said Arbeloa.

“There’s no chance that I would be with him. Then, my future… from Monday I’ll think about that.”

Madrid are set to finish runners-up in La Liga and will end a second straight season without silverware. Their UEFA Champions League campaign also ended in frustration after a quarter-final defeat to Bayern Munich.

Arbeloa, who spent seven years as a player at Madrid between 2009 and 2016, admitted he hopes his departure will not be permanent.

“I hope it’s a see you later… I’ve always considered this my home, I’ve belonged to Madrid for 20 years in various roles,” said Arbeloa.

“It will be my last game this season as coach of Real Madrid, I don’t know if it will be the last game of my life as coach of Real Madrid.

“We never know. I’ll try and enjoy it and try to get the win.”

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