Alvaro Arbeloa confirms Real Madrid exit and insists he won’t work under Jose Mourinho

Alvaro Arbeloa has confirmed that he is leaving Real Madrid, who look set to welcome back Jose Mourinho.

Arbeloa became their first team coach in January after Xabi Alonso, who has now joined Chelsea, left by mutual consent.

Getty

However, despite winning 17 of 27 matches in all competitions, he has overseen the club’s latest trophyless season.

Madrid will finish second in LaLiga behind their rivals and champions Barcelona, with Athletic Bilbao their final opponents on Saturday night.

Speaking ahead of the match, Arbeloa was asked if the fixture will be his last as Madrid boss, to which he replied: “Yes.

“I’m leaving Real Madrid with a great deal of gratitude towards my players.

“They’ve made me a better person, helped me enjoy every day, taught me a great deal, and made me a better manager today than I was on January 12.

“I’m also very grateful to the club president and (club general director) Jose Angel (Sanchez) for the opportunity they’ve given me, and to everyone involved with the first team.

“I’m leaving Real Madrid feeling grateful because over the last eight years I’ve got to know the club better.

“I’ve worked with so many people and I’m leaving with many friends, feeling very happy, and I hope that one day I can return.

“I hope it’s just a temporary farewell; I’ve always considered Madrid my home. I’ve been part of Real Madrid for 20 years — I’ll always considered it my home.”

‘No chance’ of Arbeloa working with Mourinho

talkSPORT understands that managerial legend Mourinho is set to become the new Madrid boss this summer.

Getty

Getty

Mourinho previously worked at the Bernabeu from 2010 to 2013, and won LaLiga, the Copa del Rey and Supercopa de Espana.

Arbeloa was also asked if will become part of the new coaching staff with the Portuguese icon.

“I’m not here to talk about possibilities,” he remarked. “As for Mourinho, he has a fantastic coaching staff, just as good as he is.

“He’s in excellent company. If he comes here to Real Madrid, he’ll bring his coaching staff with him, as he should.

“There’s no chance that I’ll be joining him.

“I’ve spent the last four months not thinking about myself, but about Real Madrid and the next match. From Monday onwards, it’ll be time for me to think about what’s best for me.

Getty

“I look back a year ago, training with the youth team, the reserves, and a year later here I am. I’ve already made the leap; I’ve improved a great deal over these four months and I feel ready for new challenges.

“From Monday onwards, it’ll be time for me to think about them.”