​LONDON (AP) — Fulham announced the hiring of Alvaro Arbeloa as manager in a late-night move on Wednesday, completing a coaching carousel that has involved Real Madrid and Benfica. Arbeloa had departed Real Madrid at the end of last season as Jose Mourinho, who had left Benfica to take charge at Madrid, stepped into the Spanish club’s dugout. Mourinho’s arrival at Real Madrid followed his departure from Benfica, which has since appointed Marco Silva—who made the move there after five years with Fulham.
The 43-year-old Arbeloa has agreed to a three-year contract with Fulham after serving as interim coach at Real Madrid for the second half of last season, following the dismissal of Xabi Alonso. Prior to filling the interim role, Arbeloa worked with Real Madrid’s youth system and spent his playing days at the club as well. “I am really looking forward to experiencing the atmosphere at Craven Cottage with Fulham fans and beginning pre-season with the players next week,” Arbeloa said. “I am sure we are going to enjoy an incredible journey together.”
Fulham chairman Shahid Khan said Arbeloa “built an exceptional case through our meetings in June” that convinced the club to appoint him as their next head coach. “Alvaro is, by his own admission, very ambitious,” the chairman commented. “He has spent quality time around the best players, clubs and methods in the game, experiences which will serve him well here at Fulham.”