Real Madrid's Álvaro Arbeloa has given his full support to the potential return of José Mourinho, as speculation intensifies that the Portuguese manager could be set for a sensational second stint at the Santiago Bernabéu.

Speaking to reporters on Saturday, Arbeloa—who has been under increasing pressure as interim coach—made his feelings clear: "If he (Mourinho) is the one who is here next season, I will be happy to see him back home."

The timing of this endorsement is significant, coming from a player who was part of Mourinho's squad during his previous tenure from 2010 to 2013. That era was a mixed bag for Los Blancos: while they secured a La Liga title and a Copa del Rey, the team was often overshadowed by Pep Guardiola's legendary Barcelona side. Mourinho's combative style—both on the touchline and in press conferences—divided opinion, earning him both fierce critics and loyal supporters like Arbeloa.

Madrid's sports dailies have been buzzing with rumors that Mourinho is the frontrunner to replace Arbeloa, who was always viewed as a caretaker manager after stepping up from the reserve team mid-season to fill in for the dismissed Xabi Alonso. With just two league games remaining—a trip to Sevilla on Sunday and a home finale against Athletic Bilbao on May 23—Real Madrid finds itself without a major trophy this campaign.

Off the pitch, the club has been rocked by a series of embarrassing incidents. A locker-room scuffle between players, a defeat at Barcelona that handed the title to their archrivals, and star striker Kylian Mbappé being jeered by his own fans have all added to the turmoil. Mbappé even publicly criticized Arbeloa over his lack of playing time, further exposing the fractures within the squad.

Club president Florentino Pérez has only added to the sense of crisis by calling a press conference to announce early elections—which he is widely expected to win—while lashing out at the media for what he claims is a campaign to force him out. With the club in need of a strong hand, it's easy to see why Pérez might turn to Mourinho's commanding presence to restore order and discipline.

For now, all eyes are on whether "The Special One" will indeed make his return to the Spanish capital. If Arbeloa's blessing is anything to go by, the door is wide open.