Arbeloa appointed new Fulham boss

Alvaro Arbeloa becomes Fulham head coach; the 43-year-old replaces Marco Silva after the Portuguese was named Benfica boss; Arbeloa was out of work after leaving Real Madrid upon Jose Mourinho's appointment; as a player, he featured in the Premier League for Liverpool and West Ham

Alvaro Arbeloa has been appointed as Fulham's new head coach.

The ex-Real Madrid boss has signed a three-year deal at Craven Cottage to become Marco Silva's successor after the Portuguese left for Benfica following the expiration of his Fulham deal.

Arbeloa departed Real Madrid in May and was replaced by Jose Mourinho at the Santiago Bernabeu last month.

After being appointed Fulham boss, 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.

Arbeloa took over at Real Madrid after Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso left the club in January.

Before he re-joined Real as a player in 2009, Arbeloa played 98 times for Liverpool in all competitions. His final games came during the 2016/17 season with West Ham.