Jose Mourinho has paid  a rare but touching tribute to Alvaro Arbeloa ahead of his last home game for Real Madrid. The ex Blaugrana coach described the right back as a good player and professional player he has ever worked with.

Read the letter below

“Arbeloa is a friend, not just a player for me. Why does a player become a friend? By becoming an example of passion for his profession, of love for his club, of dedication to a working group and its objectives, humility and honor in the relationship with all those who work with him every day. In the history of our huge club it will be many of the best players in the world. Arbeloa does not have a high profile, but he is certainly one of those who has given Real Madrid, its fans, all his coaches and his teammates all he had and what he had not. Arbeloa, I have only words of thanks. In my 16 years of coaching I have, surely, you placed on the podium of the most important players with whom I have worked. A good player and an exceptional man.”