Fulham confirm Arbeloa as new head coach

Fulham have confirmed Alvaro Arbeloa as the club’s new head coach.

The 43-year-old has signed a three-year contract, taking over from Marco Silva at Craven Cottage following the Portuguese’s departure for Benfica.

Chairman Shahid 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.

“Alvaro also has 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 said: “It is a real honour for me to be embarking on this new stage at Fulham FC, the oldest club in London.

“I feel a great sense of responsibility and I’m deeply grateful to Mr [Shahid] Khan and [vice-chairman] Tony Khan for the trust they have placed in me with Fulham in the Premier League.”

Arbeloa, who played for Liverpool and later West Ham, took charge at Real Madrid in January after Xabi Alonso – now Chelsea boss – was sacked.

The Spaniard led Real to a second-place finish in La Liga and they reached the quarter-finals of the Champions League.

Arbeloa’s first competitive match in charge of Fulham will be against Alonso’s Chelsea during the opening weekend of the Premier League season.