Fulham hires Arbeloa as new manager after Silva's exit

Premier League club Fulham has named Álvaro Arbeloa as their new manager. He signed a three-year contract after Marco Silva left to join S.L. Benfica.

Reports say Arbeloa takes over as Silva ends his five-year stay at Craven Cottage to replace José Mourinho at Benfica.

In an interview with the club website after his appointment on Tuesday, Arbeloa shared his excitement about joining Fulham.
“It is a real honour for me to be embarking on this new stage at Fulham FC, the oldest club in London,” he 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 mentioned that the club was impressed by Arbeloa’s ambition and his focus on youth development.
“Alvaro is, by his own admission, very ambitious. He has spent quality time around the best players, clubs and methods in the game, experiences which will serve him well here at Fulham.

“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 said to be supported by positive references from Florentino Pérez and Real Madrid’s new manager Mourinho, who he played under at the Santiago Bernabéu.

The former Spain international took charge of Real Madrid CF on an interim basis after Xabi Alonso left in January. He led the club through the last 28 matches of the season. Madrid finished second in La Liga and got knocked out in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals by FC Bayern Munich.

Reports also say Arbeloa wants to strengthen Fulham’s squad with players from Real Madrid. He is interested in signing attacking midfielder Franco Mastantuono, full-back Fran García, and forward Gonzalo García.