Fulham appoint former Real Madrid coach as new manager
by Moronfolu Adeyemi · The Eagle OnlineFulham have appointed Álvaro Arbeloa as their new manager on a three-year contract following the departure of Marco Silva to S.L. Benfica.
Arbeloa succeeds Silva, who ended his five-year spell at Craven Cottage to replace José Mourinho at Benfica.
Speaking after his appointment on Tuesday, the Spaniard said he was honoured to take charge of the Premier League club.
“It is a real honour for me to be embarking on this new stage at Fulham FC, the oldest club in London,” Arbeloa said.
“I feel a great sense of responsibility, and I’m deeply grateful to Mr. Shahid Khan and Tony Khan for the trust they have placed in me with Fulham in the Premier League.”
Fulham chairman Shahid Khan said the club was convinced by Arbeloa’s ambition and commitment to developing young players.
Khan said: “Alvaro is, by his own admission, very ambitious.
Also Read
- Court remands lecturer who accused Katsina of sponsoring bandits to Hajj
- IFAF profiles Team Nigeria as Africa’s sole World Flag representatives
- Fulham appoint former Real Madrid coach as new manager
- ISI hijab: Appeal Court halts enforcement of ruling pending appeal
- Kwankwaso reacts to ex-Borno governor’s comments on Obi’s Northern appeal
“He has spent quality time around the best players, clubs and methods in the game, experiences which will serve him well here at Fulham.”
He added: “Alvaro also has a great interest in our academy set-up and believes in giving young players a chance.
“I loved hearing that from Alvaro, as well as his intent on playing attacking football.”
Arbeloa’s appointment was reportedly supported by positive references from recently re-elected Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez and the club’s new manager, José Mourinho, under whom he previously played at the Santiago Bernabéu.
The former Spain international managed Real Madrid on an interim basis after the departure of Xabi Alonso in January, overseeing the club’s final 28 matches of the season.
Madrid finished second in La Liga and exited the UEFA Champions League at the quarter-final stage following defeat to Bayern Munich.
According to reports, Arbeloa is expected to strengthen Fulham’s squad with players from Real Madrid, including attacking midfielder Franco Mastantuono, full-back Fran García and forward Gonzalo García.
[wpadcenter_ad id='745970' align='none']