Arbeloa would be happy if Mourinho replaces him at Real

Breaking news from the world of sport: Arbeloa would be happy if Mourinho returns to RealImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Former Liverpool defender Alvaro Arbeloa has had a tricky time in charge of Real MadridByElizabeth HudsonBBC Sport JournalistPublished8 minutes agoReal Madrid head coach Alvaro Arbeloa has said he would be pleased if Jose Mourinho replaces him and leads the club next season. Mourinho is in final negotiations to become the club's new boss, 13 years after his first spell at the Bernabeu. The 63-year-old joined Portuguese side Benfica as manager on a two-year contract last September, but is wanted by Real president Florentino Perez.

"For me, as a former player and as a Madridista, Jose Mourinho is number one. He's one of ours," Arbeloa said before Sunday's game against Sevilla. "If he comes back next year, I'll be very happy to see him back home.

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"Arbeloa took charge in January following Xabi Alonso's departure, but Real have finished without a major trophy for a second consecutive season. An iron fist joining a broken team: Inside Mourinho's Real return Published2 days agoMourinho in final negotiations to become Real manager Published3 days agoArbeloa has also faced criticism from France striker Kylian Mbappe after he was left out of the starting line-up for Los Blancos' 2-0 win over Real Oviedo. Mbappe had missed his side's two previous games, including last weekend's El Clasico which Barcelona won to secure the league title, with a thigh injury and was whistled by his own fans when he came on.

The World Cup winner has faced scrutiny over his commitment to the club in recent weeks while an online petition calling for 'Mbappe Out' attracted tens of millions of signatures. But the manager played down the incident on Saturday. "I've just bumped into him, I told him to stay calm.

I understand that these kinds of things make headlines, but it's something much more normal than you think," Arbeloa said. "I used to be a player, I know what they can feel in these situations - playing every day, then playing less or not at all. "I totally understand that Kylian wasn't happy about not playing on Thursday, and I like that.

"I wouldn't understand it if he didn't want to play. My relationship with him remains the same.

The story has climbed to the top of the sports agenda, with fans and analysts following closely.