Premier League side Fulham Football Club have confirmed the appointment of former Spain international Álvaro Arbeloa as the club’s new head coach on a three-year contract.
The 43-year-old has signed an agreement that will keep him at Craven Cottage until the summer of 2029, ushering in a new era for the London club. Arbeloa replaces Marco Silva, who recently ended his five-year spell at Fulham to return to his native Portugal as head coach of S.L. Benfica.
Arbeloa arrives with an impressive football pedigree, having enjoyed a successful playing career at both club and international level. As a defender, he made 237 appearances for Spanish giants Real Madrid, where he won several major honours, and also represented Liverpool during his playing days in the English Premier League. On the international stage, he earned 56 caps for Spain and was a member of the historic squad that won the 2010 FIFA World Cup, as well as the UEFA European Championships in 2008 and 2012.
According to reports, former Chelsea, Real Madrid and Manchester United manager José Mourinho played a role in Arbeloa’s appointment by recommending him to Fulham owner Shahid Khan during discussions over the club’s managerial vacancy. Mourinho previously worked closely with Arbeloa during their time together at Real Madrid.
Speaking after completing the move, Arbeloa described his appointment as a privilege and expressed gratitude to Fulham owner Shahid Khan and vice-chairman Tony Khan for placing their trust in him. He said he is excited about the opportunity to manage in the Premier League and is eager to begin working with the players ahead of the new season.
The Spaniard also expressed his enthusiasm about meeting Fulham supporters at Craven Cottage, promising to build a competitive team capable of making the fans proud. He said he is looking forward to the challenges ahead and believes the club can achieve success through hard work, unity and ambition.
Fulham supporters will now be hoping Arbeloa can build on the foundations laid by his predecessor and guide the club to another strong Premier League campaign as preparations for the new season get underway.
