Madrid, Jan. 13 -- Alvaro Arbeloa gave his first press conference on Tuesday after being named as the new Real Madrid coach on Monday just minutes after the club announced that Xabi Alonso had left the club in the wake of the club's defeat to FC Barcelona in the Spanish Supercup final.
The former player and B-team coach said it was "a special day," and that although he was "aware of the responsibility," he was "very excited," at what lay ahead.
He insisted he still retained his friendship with Alonso remained intact and said he would be in charge for as long as the club wanted.
"I've been here for 20 years and I'll be here as long as Real Madrid wants me to be. This is my home," said Arbeloa.
One of the reasons for Alonso's departure is...