Arbeloa confirms Real Madrid exit, says he is ready for new challenges | OneFootball

Álvaro Arbeloa has confirmed he will leave Real Madrid after Saturday’s season finale at the Bernabéu against Athletic. According to El Periódico Mediterráneo, he added that he feels ready for new challenges and will not move into another post at the club.

Speaking on the eve of the match, in what he said would be his final media duty as coach, he appeared more relaxed. It comes four months after he replaced Xabi Alonso.

Asked about serving under José Mourinho, he dismissed the idea, saying Mourinho has his own staff and there is no chance he will join them. He said he will consider what is best for him from Monday.

He expressed hope this is only a goodbye for now and that he could return one day. He thanked Florentino Pérez, José Ángel Sánchez and his players, acknowledged differences within normal limits and admitted he sometimes ignored his instincts. He said he prioritised the club over himself and tried to act in the best way given the situation he inherited.

Saturday will also mark the farewells of Carvajal and Alaba. Arbeloa joked he would leave the grey sofa for the next coach to use.

Sticking to the corporate line to the end, he played down Joan Laporta’s comments about Florentino Pérez and the Negreira case. He said Madrid await a resolution to a serious issue that has stained Spanish football, and complained that bloodied Madrid players have gone without penalties while officials have been rewarded with the Copa.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo