Alvaro Arbeloa Bids Farewell to Real Madrid with Emotional 'See You Later'

Álvaro Arbeloa has announced his departure from the Real Madrid head coach role at the end of this season.

"I'm leaving Real Madrid with enormous gratitude as the players have made me a better person and brought joy to every single day," he stated on Friday.

"I want to witness a great game and bid farewell to the supporters by delivering a win and a strong performance. Playing the final match at home feels special and unique. The most important thing on a day like tomorrow is to give them something to enjoy.

"I hope it's simply a 'see you later' because I've always thought of this as my home. I've been part of Real Madrid for 20 years in many different capacities. This will be my final match this season as Real Madrid coach, and I don't know whether it will be the last of my career as Real Madrid coach.

"I'll try to savour it and stay focused on getting the win. From Monday, I'll need to consider what's best for my future. I've taken the next step, I've grown considerably over these four months, and I feel prepared for new challenges."

Arbeloa: No Chance of Working with Mourinho

José Mourinho is widely expected to take over in the Madrid dugout this summer, having reportedly already reached an agreement with club president Florentino Pérez on his return.

When it was put to Arbeloa that he might stay on as part of Mourinho's backroom team, the outgoing coach made clear that his next role would be somewhere else entirely.

"I'm not here to discuss possibilities," Arbeloa emphasised. "Mourinho has an excellent coaching staff and is very well supported. If he arrives, he'll bring his own people, as is only right. There is no possibility of me joining him.

"These past four months have been entirely devoted to Real Madrid — from now on, it's time to focus on myself. I've made the leap, and I feel ready for new challenges."

Arbeloa will conclude his Madrid reign with Saturday's home fixture against Athletic Club, marking his 28th match at the helm. To date, his record stands at 17 victories, two draws and eight defeats.