Fulham has confirmed the appointment of Spaniard Alvaro Arbeloa as their new head coach. The 43-year-old has signed a three-year deal with the west London club, stepping in to replace Portuguese manager Marco Silva, who departed after a five-year tenure to take up a position at Benfica.
Arbeloa arrives at Craven Cottage following his departure from Real Madrid. In January, he was promoted from the club's reserve team to the first-team coaching role, succeeding Xabi Alonso—who is now the manager of Chelsea—and successfully led the Spanish giants to a runners-up finish in LaLiga.
Expressing his enthusiasm for the new role, Arbeloa stated, "It is a real honour for me to be embarking on this new stage at Fulham. I am really looking forward to experiencing the atmosphere at Craven Cottage with Fulham fans and beginning pre-season with the players next week."
The former defender, who earned a 2010 World Cup winners' medal and secured two Champions League titles during his playing career, is familiar with the English game from his time playing for Liverpool and West Ham United. Fulham owner and president Shahid Khan welcomed the appointment, noting Arbeloa's ambition and high-level experience.
"I am delighted that Alvaro 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," Khan said. "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."
Fulham, who finished 11th in the Premier League last season, are scheduled to open their new campaign with a home match against Chelsea on August 24.
