Álvaro Arbeloa confirmed on Friday that he will leave his role as Real Madrid coach at the end of a trophyless season.

When asked at a press conference whether he would remain in charge next season, Arbeloa simply replied, “Yes,” confirming his departure amid growing reports that veteran manager José Mourinho is set to return to the club.

Real Madrid will host Athletic Bilbao at the Santiago Bernabéu on Saturday in their final LaLiga fixture of a turbulent campaign.

Arbeloa was appointed by club president Florentino Pérez in January to replace Xabi Alonso, but is now expected to make way for Mourinho, who is reportedly in line for a comeback to the Spanish giants.

The former Spain international also stated that he would not be part of Mourinho’s coaching staff should the Portuguese manager take over.

“Mou has a fantastic technical team and strong staff around him. If he comes to Madrid, he will arrive with his own team,” Arbeloa said.

“There is no chance that I would be part of his staff. As for my future, from Monday onwards I will think about it.”

Arbeloa, who played for Real Madrid between 2009 and 2016 and later coached at youth level, expressed hope that his departure would be a temporary one.

“I hope this is a ‘see you later’ rather than a goodbye. I have always considered this my home; I’ve been at Madrid in different roles for 20 years,” he said.

“It will be my last game of the season as Real Madrid coach. I don’t know if it will be the last game of my life as Real Madrid coach. You never know. I’ll try to enjoy it and go for the win.”