Premier League club Fulham have confirmed the appointment of Álvaro Arbeloa as their new head coach on a three-year contract.
Arbeloa left La Liga giants Real Madrid at the end of last season following an underwhelming spell in charge.
The 43-year-old replaces Marco Silva at Craven Cottage, with the Portuguese having recently joined Benfica after his deal with the Cottagers came to an end.
Arbeloa promises ‘an incredible journey’
In an official statement on the club’s website, Arbeloa said: “It is a real honour for me to be embarking on this new stage at Fulham, the oldest club in London.
“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.
“I am really looking forward to experiencing the atmosphere at Craven Cottage with Fulham fans and beginning pre-season with the players next week.
“I am sure we are going to enjoy an incredible journey together. Come on Fulham!”
Khan praises ‘very ambitious’ Spaniard
On the Spaniard’s appointment, Fulham owner Shahid Khan stated: “Álvaro was an original candidate who built an exceptional case through our meetings in June to become our next head coach, and it quickly became quite clear that he was – and is – the right choice.
“I am delighted that Álvaro has accepted the challenge to push Fulham forward, and I have no doubt that our squad, staff and fans will resonate with what his appointment means for the present and future of our club.
“Álvaro 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.
“Álvaro also has great interest in our academy set-up and believes in giving young players a chance – I loved hearing that from Álvaro as well as his intent on playing attacking football.
“All of this and a lot more makes Álvaro Arbeloa an ideal fit to lead Fulham Football Club into the upcoming Premier League season and beyond.”
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Simon Wilkes