For perhaps the last time in his footballing career, Álvaro Arbeloa has played his last match at Real Madrid's home stadium, the Santiago Bernabeu.
Currently, Real Madrid are in second place in La Liga, and Arbeloa had this to say afterwards, "We'll be there until the end," adding that, "We're very much aware we can't make the same mistake as two years ago." However, if Barcelona do manage to claim the title, Arbeloa concluded that, "we'll congratulate them as rightful winners."
History with Real Madrid
Arbeloa first joined Los Blancos as a member of their youth academy in 2001. It took just one season before being called up the 'C' team, and one year after that, Arbeloa got promoted to the second team. The rise to the first team did not occur as quickly as the other promotions a he spent three seasons with Castilla.
In fact, during his initial stint with the white shirts, Arbeloa managed just two matches with the first time. Following moves to Deportivo La Coruna and then a stint at English Premier League side Liverpool FC, Arbeloa returned home for another seven seasons.
Throughout his career, Arbeloa has won every major trophy including a World Cup, two European Championships, one Champions League, one Club World Cup, one European Super Cup, one La Liga title, two Copa Del Reys, and one Spanish Super Cup.
Arbeloa to still play football
Arbeloa is not planning on hanging up the boots this summer, no. He still wants to play football, just not with Real Madrid. The Spanish fullback stated, “I want to keep playing football for as long as my body allows." However, Arbeloa does not want to play anywhere else in Spain, saying "I couldn't wear a shirt other than Real Madrid's here in Spain."
It will be an interesting summer seeing where he lands. But, whoever does capture Arbeloa's signature, will have a player with tons of experience and leadership capabilities on their hands.