Jose Mourinhos return to Real Madrid as manager has moved a step closer after Alvaro Arbeloas departure was confirmed.Former defender Arbeloas exit was expected for some time after a disappointing tenure during the second half of the 2025-26 campaign which saw them finish second in LaLiga, lose in the Champions League quarter-finals and also fail to win the Copa Del Rey.A statement said: Real Madrid C. F. and lvaro Arbeloa have reached an agreement to end his tenure as the first-team coach.Real Madrid is deeply grateful to lvaro Arbeloa, who throughout his career at the club, from the time he joined our academy, has always demonstrated loyalty, commitment, and professionalism. His persona is a true example of the values of our club.Real Madrid, which will always be his home, wishes Alvaro Arbeloa and his entire family the best of luck in this new chapter of their lives.Mourinho return edges closerArbeloas departure means Mourinhos return could be announced imminently, with president Florentino Perez confirming he would appoint Mourinho if he was re-elected.After the 79-year-old won the vote and with Arbeloa now gone, Mourinhos appointment looks to be only a matter of time, with a deal with current club Benfica reportedly already agreed.Perez said during his re-election campaign: We have won the elections and will continue working to keep winning titles. I am still here and I am here to defend Real Madrid. We will continue working so that Real Madrid keeps winning titles, and we will fight until the end to achieve the 16th European Cup. We will continue to take pride in the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, the best stadium in theworld. Proud to have the best players in the world, proud to welcome back one of the best coaches in the world, a Madridista like Jose Mourinho. And rest assured, with me as president, Real Madrid has been, is, and will always remain owned by its members. Topics Jose Mourinho Real Madrid CF Add us as a preferred source on Google If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read Real Madrid announce �129m Julian Alvarez bid rejected by Atletico Madrid, Atleti say they wont consider move Cian Cheesbrough 9th June, 2026 Florentino Perez wins Real Madrid presidential election: What happens now with Mourinho, external investment and Galactico pledge? Jon Fisher 8th June, 2026 Agent reveals Jurgen Klopps dream job after dismissing Real Madrid claims Jon Fisher 6th June, 2026 Federico Valverde shows off nasty scar following clash with Real Madrid team-mate Aurelien Tchouameni Jon Fisher 4th June, 2026 Real Madrid presidential candidate Riquelme doubles down on Haaland claims and says he has met with Manchester City striker Jon Fisher 4th June, 2026 BREAKING: Manchester City threaten legal action after Real Madrid presidential candidate makes bold Erling Haaland claim Jon Fisher 4th June, 2026
