Real Madrid coach Álvaro Arbeloa confirmed that he would be leaving the club after the last game of the La Liga season against Athletic Club, going on to say that, “I hope it’s just a ‘see you soon.’ I’ve always considered Madrid my home. I’ve been with Madrid for 20 years; it’s my home. It’s my last game this season; I don’t know if it’s the last of my life as Madrid’s coach—we never know. I’ll try to enjoy it. And I’m focused on winning.”
“I want to see a great game, say goodbye to the fans, and give them a victory. It’s a huge effort; playing the last home game is special. I want to give the Bernabéu a treat.”
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“I don’t give much weight to Laporta’s words; we’ve always been very clear about what we’ve said. He’s probably referring to the Negreira Case… We’re still waiting for a resolution to such a serious case that has tarnished Spanish football. Many referees from that era are still around; we still have the same feeling. These aren’t normal things. We have to keep speaking out against it. A Madrid player is bleeding, and that referee gets the honor of officiating the Copa del Rey final.”
“I’m not here to talk about possibilities. Mou has a fantastic coaching staff; he’s surrounded by great people. If he comes, he’ll bring his own team, as he should. There’s no chance I’ll be joining him. I’ve spent the last four months thinking about Madrid; from now on, it’s time to think about myself. I’ve taken the leap, and I feel ready for new challenges.”
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“He’s a symbol of what a Madrid player should be. He laid the first stone at Valdebebas; he’s special, one of a kind. It’ll be a beautiful day for everyone—paying him tribute. He’ll start the game, and I’m sure that when he’s substituted for the tribute, everyone will stand up. When he looks back, he’ll be very proud of what he’s done. We Madridistas have been very lucky.”
“He has been granted leave by the club for a personal matter; we don’t know if he’ll be able to be here tomorrow.”
“I’d definitely put Carvajal at the top. Dani has been able to dominate in both aspects—going forward and defending. He’s a natural competitor; he’s faced the best.”
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“I’m very grateful to them for what we’ve been through. I’m aware that with 25 different people you can’t have the same relationship. We’ve had our differences; that’s normal. We’ve resolved them in the best way possible. We’ve shown each other respect; the opportunity came when it came. For me, what’s always important is how you handle it, whatever happens to you. And I’ve handled it the best way possible, thinking about Madrid. I’ve thought more about Madrid than about myself these past few months, but I’ve done what’s best for the club. At another club it would have been different, but this was what I had to do. There’s no room for regret.”
“I know what the team was like when I arrived. What I’ve had to deal with. If I’d started from the beginning, it would have been different. But that’s what I had to work with, and I tried to do it the best way possible. Not my way, but the best way. We’ve done a lot of things right; I’m happy with what we’ve done.”
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“I’m leaving with a great relationship with almost everyone.”
“There are some things I can’t get involved in. I think it’s great that they’re running; they know where the bar is set. We’ll be listening and seeing what ideas they can bring to the table.”
“I’ve done what I believed in, not because I was forced to.”
“Almost all of them have helped me grow as a coach and as a person. I’ve had a relationship with everyone, I’ve had conversations; sometimes we’ve agreed, other times we haven’t. I’m lucky that I’ve been where they are; I’ve been through those situations, I understand them. Often, their perspective is different from that of a coach. It’s easier for me to put myself in their shoes than it is for them to put themselves in mine. I’m leaving with a great deal of gratitude; they’ve made me better, they’ve made me enjoy every day. I’m very grateful to the club for the opportunity; I’m leaving with gratitude after these eight years, leaving behind many friends. Hopefully one day I can return.”
