Speaking on Saturday, Arbeloa said he would gladly welcome Mourinho back to the Santiago Bernabeu if the former coach is appointed ahead of next season.

Mourinho, who managed Real Madrid from 2010 to 2013 during the intense rivalry with Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona, has recently been linked with a sensational return to the Spanish giants.

Despite the speculation, bringing Mourinho back would be seen as a risky move by club president Florentino Perez, especially after Madrid ended another disappointing season without winning a major trophy.

“For me, as a former player and a true Madridista, Jose Mourinho is number one. He belongs to Madrid,” Arbeloa said.

“If he returns next season, I’ll be very happy to see him back where he belongs.”

Arbeloa took over from Xabi Alonso in January but failed to rescue Madrid’s difficult campaign.

Meanwhile, star forward Kylian Mbappe reportedly expressed frustration after being left on the bench during Madrid’s midweek victory against Real Oviedo.

The French striker had just recovered from a thigh injury that ruled him out of the recent El Clasico clash, where Barcelona defeated Madrid to secure the La Liga title.

Addressing the situation, Arbeloa revealed he had already spoken with Mbappe.

“I told him to stay calm. These things often become big stories, but situations like this are normal in football,” the coach explained.

“I was once a player myself, so I understand how footballers feel when they go from playing regularly to sitting out matches.”

Arbeloa added that he understands Mbappe’s disappointment because top players naturally want to be on the pitch.

“I actually like that he was unhappy about not playing. It would be strange if he didn’t want to play,” he added.

He also insisted that his relationship with the French superstar remains strong.

— Naija Street Matters