Jose Mourinho's emotional open letter to Alvaro Arbeloa
Jose Mourinho hailed Alvaro Arbeloa in an open letter in Marca.
The Portuguese manager, formerly of Real Madrid, lavished praise on the Los Blancos star, who is expected to leave the club at the end of the season when his contract expires.
Mourinho wrote: "Arbeloa is a friend, not just a player for me. How can a player turn into a friend?
"By being an example of passion for his profession, of love for his club, for his dedication to the group and its objectives, for his honour in his relationships with whom he works day to day.
"In the history of our gigantic club, there are and will be many of the world’s greatest players.
"Arbeloa may not have a profile that hight, but he is certainly one of those who has given Real Madrid, his fans, his coaches and his team-mates everything he had, and everything he didn’t.
"For Arbeloa, I only have words of gratitude. In my 16 years as a coach I have him on the podium of the most important players with whom I've worked with. A good player and an exceptional man."
