Kylian Mbappé has sent a heartfelt message following Xabi Alonso’s decision to leave Real Madrid. The La Liga giants announced on Monday that they had parted ways with Alonso, just months after taking over last summer.
Real confirmed the decision came just one day after losing to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final, with both sides reaching a “mutual agreement” to end their partnership. In what was Alonso’s last game as manager, Los Blancos suffered a 3-2 defeat against their fierce rivals, with Frenkie de Jong scoring the winning goal in stoppage time.
Madrid also announced that Álvaro Arbeloa will take over as manager after Alonso leaves the club. Shortly after Alonso’s departure was announced, Mbappé shared a message on his Instagram Story to his 129 million followers, along with a photo of himself with his former boss.
“Although it was a short time, it was a pleasure to play for you and learn from you,” Mbappe wrote. “Thank you for giving me confidence from day one.
“I will remember you as a coach who had clear ideas and knew a lot about football. I wish you good luck in your next chapter.”
Alonso’s future as Madrid manager has been the subject of intense speculation for weeks, having only been poached by the La Liga giants last summer ahead of their FIFA Club World Cup campaign. The former Liverpool and Bayern Munich midfielder leaves Madrid with the club in second place, four points behind leaders Barcelona in the La Liga table.
“Real Madrid CF would like to announce that, by mutual agreement between the club and Xabi Alonso, he has decided to end his tenure as first-team coach,” a statement from Madrid said.
“Xabi Alonso will always carry the love and admiration of all Madrid players, because he is a Real Madrid legend and has always represented the values of the club. Real Madrid will always be his home.”
“I would like to thank Xabi Alonso and his entire coaching staff for their hard work and dedication during this time and wish them the best of luck in this new stage of their lives.”
Madrid’s next match will be against Albacete in the Copa del Rey round of 16 on Wednesday night, before their return to La Liga against Levante on Saturday.
