Álvaro Arbeloa confirms Real Madrid exit | OneFootball

Real Madrid head coach Álvaro Arbeloa has confirmed that he will leave the club at the end of the season.

The former Liverpool defender took charge of the first team from another former Reds man, Xabi Alonso, midway through the season but will not remain at the club beyond this summer.

"I hope it’s just a ‘see you later’ because I’ve always considered this my home," the 43-year-old said in his pre-match press conference ahead of the final game of the season at home to Athletic Club on Saturday.

"I’ve been with Real Madrid for 20 years in many different roles. This will be my last match 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 focus on winning. 

"Starting Monday, I’ll have to think about what’s best for me. I’ve taken the next step, I’ve improved a lot in these four months, and I feel ready for new challenges."

All signs point to current Benfica boss José Mourinho returning to the club for a second stint ahead of next season but Arbeloa would not be open to joining the Portuguese manager's staff.

"He has a fantastic coaching staff and is well supported. If he comes here, there’s no possibility of me working with him."

Arbeloa has overseen 27 Real Madrid games since January with a record of 17 wins, two draws, and eight defeats.