Real Madrid's interim coach Álvaro Arbeloa has publicly endorsed former boss José Mourinho to replace him, amid mounting speculation that the Portuguese manager is set for a second stint at the Santiago Bernabéu.
"If he is the one who is here next season, I will be happy to see him back home," Arbeloa told reporters in Madrid, speaking like a coach who knows his days are numbered.
Arbeloa played under Mourinho from 2010 to 2013, a period that included a La Liga and Copa del Rey title, though it was overshadowed by Pep Guardiola's Barcelona. Mourinho's combative style polarized the Spanish capital.
Madrid finishes the season without a major trophy. The 15-time European champions have been rocked by a player fight, a league-clinching loss to Barcelona, fan jeers at Kylian Mbappé, and president Florentino Pérez calling early elections.
Mourinho, 63, just finished his season with Benfica and confirmed he has a renewal offer but will decide his future in days.
"For me as a player, and above all as a Madrid supporter, I feel and think that he is the number one," Arbeloa said.