Kylian Mbappe has delivered a heartfelt message to Xabi Alonso following confirmation of his departure from Real Madrid. The La Liga giants announced on Monday that they had parted company with Alonso, mere months after his appointment last summer.
Real confirmed that both parties had reached a “mutual agreement” to end their collaboration, with the decision arriving just one day after their Spanish Super Cup final loss to Barcelona. Los Blancos endured a crushing 3-2 defeat against their fierce rivals, with Frenkie De Jong netting the decisive goal in added time during what would prove to be Alonso’s final match as manager.
Madrid have also revealed that Alvaro Arbeloa will step into the managerial role following Alonso’s departure. Shortly after the announcement of Alonso’s exit, Mbappe shared a message on his Instagram story with his 129 million followers, accompanied by a photograph of himself with his former boss.
“It’s been short but it was a pleasure to play for you and learn from you,” Mbappe wrote. “Thank you for giving me the confidence since day one.
“I will remember you as a manager who had clear ideas and knows many things about football. Best of luck for your next chapter.”
Alonso’s future as Madrid boss had been the subject of intense speculation for several weeks, having only been brought in by the La Liga giants last summer ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup campaign. The former Liverpool and Bayern Munich midfielder departs Madrid with the club second in the La Liga standings and trailing leaders Barcelona by four points.
“Real Madrid C. F. wishes to announce that, by mutual agreement between the club and Xabi Alonso, it has been decided to bring his time as first team coach to an end,” the statement from Madrid read.
“Xabi Alonso will always carry the affection and admiration of all Madridistas because he is a Real Madrid legend and has always represented the values of our club. Real Madrid will always be his home.
“We would like to thank Xabi Alonso and all his coaching staff for their hard work and dedication throughout this time, and wish them the best of luck in this new stage of their lives.”
Madrid’s upcoming fixture will see them face Albacete on Wednesday evening in the Copa del Rey round of 16, with their La Liga return scheduled for Saturday against Levante.