The former Real Madrid boss - who left the Spanish club in June after six months in charge - has signed a three-year deal to lead the London club after former head coach Marco Silva left for Benfica at the end of his contract.

And Arbeloa has hailed his appointment a "real honour".

He said in a statement: "It is a real honour for me to be embarking on this new stage at Fulham, the oldest club in London.

"I feel a great sense of responsibility and I'm deeply grateful to Mr [Shahid] Khan and Tony Khan for the trust they have placed in me with Fulham in the Premier League.

"I am really looking forward to experiencing the atmosphere at Craven Cottage with Fulham fans and beginning pre-season with the players next week. I am sure we are going to enjoy an incredible journey together.

The former Liverpool player began his career at Real Madrid and returned to the side from 2009–2016. He then came back to the Spanish club in 2020, working with the youth and reserve teams before being promoted in January after Xabi Alonso - who is now in charge at Chelsea - left by mutual consent, less than a year into his three-year contract.