Alvaro Arbeloa has confirmed that he will leave his position as Real Madrid's interim manager at the end of this season.
When asked at a press conference on Friday, May 22, 2026, local time, whether the match against Athletic Club would be his last, Arbeloa agreed.
Arbeloa has been heavily expected to leave after he failed to lead the team to a title this season after being promoted from the club's reserve team in January 2026 to replace sacked Xabi Alonso.
Real Madrid lost to a second division opponent in the Copa del Rey on Arbeloa's debut. Then eliminated from the Champions League quarter finals by Bayern Munich, and will finish in second place in LaLiga behind Barcelona.
"I leave Real Madrid with the greatest gratitude to my players. They have made me a better person, helped me enjoy every day, taught me a lot, and made me a better manager today than I was on January 12, 2026."
"I am also very grateful to the President of Real Madrid and (General Director) Jose Angel (Sanchez) for the opportunity they have given me and to everyone involved with the first team."
"I leave Real Madrid with a feeling of gratitude because over the past eight years I have gotten to know this club better."
"I've worked with so many people and I'm leaving with a lot of friends, feeling very happy, and I hope one day I can come back."
"I hope this is only a temporary goodbye. I have always considered Real Madrid my home. I have been part of Real Madrid for 20 years. I will always consider it my home," said Arbeloa.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid is strongly rumored to be sending Jose Mourinho back to Santiago Bernabeu. The Portuguese coach is said to have verbally agreed to rejoin and can be confirmed in the coming days.
When asked if Arbeloa could be part of Mourinho's coaching staff, he did not want to speculate.
"I'm not here to talk about possibilities. Regarding Mourinho, he has a fantastic coaching staff, as good as he is."
"He is in a very good environment. If he comes to Real Madrid, he will bring his coaching staff with him, as he should. There is no possibility that I will join him."
"I have spent the last four months not thinking about myself, but about Real Madrid and the next game."
"Starting Monday (25 May 2026) and beyond, it's time for me to think about what's best for me. I look back a year ago, training with the young team, the reserve team, and a year later I'm here."
"I have made a leap. I have improved a lot during these four months. I feel ready for a new challenge. Starting Monday and beyond, it's time for me to think about it," said Arbeloa.
Not to forget, Arbeloa also left a message for his players who have worked together for about the last four months.
"I'm so grateful to them all for what we've been through over the last four months. I realize that with 25 people, you can't have the same relationship with everyone."
"I'm sure that over the past few months we have had disagreements, as expected. I'm not the first or the last."
"Any manager can have a difference of opinion with his players, but I always resolve it in the best way. They also do the same to me."
"They always show me great respect. I have tried to show them the same in return," he said.
Sunday's match, May 24, 2026, early morning WIB, against Athletic Club will also be the last match for veteran defenders Dani Carvajal and David Alaba, whose contracts will soon expire.
Carvajal's departure was announced on Monday, May 18, 2026, local time. Then, Real Madrid also confirmed on Friday, May 22, 2026, local time, that they would also part ways with Alaba.
Carvajal, 34, has helped Real Madrid win six Champions Leagues since 2013, while Alaba, 33, has contributed to two Champions League victories since arriving in 2021.
"David Alaba brings with him the affection of all Madridistas for his dedication, hard work, and iconic image in our journey to the 14th title, symbolizing the celebration of victory that is now part of our club's history. Real Madrid will always be his home," said Real Madrid President Florentino Perez, in a press release.
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