Alvaro Arbeloa has responded to news of Jose Mourinho replacing him with open arms.
More and more concrete reporting suggests Mourinho has signed with Real Madrid for next season and will be announced as Arbeloa’s replacement next week.
The rookie coach who’s currently occupying the dugout has previously been coy on the rumours, but even changed his approach given their weight.
Asked if Mourinho can handle a chaotic dressing room, he responded: “I don’t understand this talk of an unmanageable dressing room; I don’t agree with it.
“The day the club makes a decision about next season’s manager, they’ll do it when they deem it appropriate.
“For me, as a player and a Real Madrid fan, Mourinho is number one. I thought that a month ago, and I still think it.
“He is and always will be ‘one of us’. If he’s here next season, I’ll be very happy to see him back home.”
Asked how he wants to be remembered, Arbeloa was again more happy to confirm to his departure.
“Real Madrid has millions of fans, and some will agree more than others. I feel the fans’ affection,” he said.
“I’m 43 years old, and I’ve spent 20 of those years at Real Madrid. That’s a lot of years in what I consider my home.
“I was a First Division RFEF coach and I’m leaving as a First Division coach, having managed Champions League matches.
“For me, these four months have been a great experience, a learning opportunity.
“Being in front of you all is also a masterclass. I’ll leave with a clear conscience.”
Leave a Reply