This weekend, Real Madrid fans will say goodbye to one of their club's great servants - Alvaro Arbeloa.
The full back joined Madrid as an 18-year-old in 2001. He departed for spells at Deportivo La Coruna and Liverpool before returning to the Bernabeu in 2009.
Arbeloa, who has played just eight times for Madrid this season, is not having his contract renewed.
Appreciation for the 33-year-old in the Spanish capital is high. Several former teammates have been effusive with their praise as has Jose Mourinho.
The Portuguese, who worked with Arbeloa for three seasons as Madrid manager, wrote an open letter to Marca about the player.
Arbeloa is a friend, not just a player for me.
Why does a player become a friend? He is an example of passion for his profession, love for his club and dedication to a working group and its objectives.
He brought humility and honour to the relationship with all those who worked with him day to day.
Over history, our huge club will have many of the best players in the world.
Arbeloa does not have that high profile, but is certainly one of those who has given Real Madrid, its fans, all of his coaches and his teammates all that he had.
I only have words of gratitude for him.
In my 16 years of coaching I have him, surely, on the podium of the most important players with whom I have worked.
He is a good player and an exceptional man.
Picture credit: David Maher / SPORTSFILE
