BARCELONA, Spain (AP):Real Madrid's Álvaro Arbeloa gave his blessing to former boss José Mourinho yesterday amid intense speculation that the Portuguese coach is set to replace him and start a second stint at the European powerhouses.Speaking like a coach who knows his days are numbered, Arbeloa told reporters in Madrid yesterday that "if he (Mourinho) is the one who is here next season, I will be happy to see him back home".

Álvaro Arbeloa, entrenador del Real Madrid, aseguró que si José Mourinho es su sustituto estará “muy contento”.

Real Madrid coach Alvaro Arbeloa said Saturday he would be pleased if Jose Mourinho replaces him and leads the club next season.