Arbeloa to leave Real Madrid at end of season
Alvaro Arbeloa has confirmed he will not be in charge of Real Madrid next season, further fuelling rumours of a sensational return for Jose Mourinho.
Arbeloa, who replaced Xabi Alonso in January, revealed the news ahead of Madrid's final game of the LaLiga season against Athletic Club.
The 43-year-old took charge of 27 matches in all competitions, winning 17 of those and losing eight, but oversaw another domestic season without a trophy for Los Blancos.
Madrid is 11 points behind rival Barcelona in LaLiga, with Hansi Flick's side securing back-to-back league successes after winning the Clasico 2-0 earlier this month.
It has been reported that Mourinho, who won LaLiga, the Copa del Rey and Supercopa Espana during his three-year stint with the club between 2010 and 2013, has agreed to a two-year deal, having just gone an entire league season unbeaten with Benfica, although it did miss out on the title in Portugal.
Arbeloa kept his cards close to his chest when asked about the possibility of a return for Mourinho, but instead thanked the club for his time in charge.
"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 said that should Mourinho replace him in the Spanish capital, then he would not make up part of his coaching staff for the 2026-2027 campaign.
"I'm not here to talk about possibilities. Mou has a fantastic coaching staff, he is very well surrounded," Arbeloa added. "If he arrives, he will do it on his own, as it should be.
"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."
With Athletic the visitor to Estadio Bernabeu this weekend, Arbeloa will hope to go out on a high, and history in this fixture does favour Madrid.
It is unbeaten in its past 20 home LaLiga matches against Athletic Club, winning 17 of those.
