Real Madrid full-back Alvaro Arbeloa has admitted he may need to rebuild his relationship with team-mate Iker Casillas.
Casillas found himself out of the Real team under Jose Mourinho last season, a move that caused controversy within the club and the media, but Arbeloa was one of the few voices to back his former manager.
The goalkeeper was out of the starting line-up from January onwards as Mourinho chose Diego Lopez as his number one and, although Madrid did not win any silverware last season, Arbeloa supported the Portuguese’s decision.
Reports claimed that Spain international colleagues Casillas and Arbeloa were no longer speaking due to the incident, something the full-back denied.
However, he did admit he may need build some bridges with the stopper.
“It can’t have been an easy season for Iker,” he said. “Will we talk about it? We do probably need to straighten things out.
“I did not name Casillas or talk about him indirectly. Too much has been made of it.”
The former Liverpool defender admitted that while they may not be best friends off the pitch, he gets along fine with Casillas and reassured fans that their performances for club or country will never be affected by personal differences.
Spain begin their FIFA Confederations Cup campaign against Uruguay on Sunday, with both men expected to be involved in Vicente Del Bosque’s side – and Arbeloa does not expect any issues
“I don’t have a problem with him, we have a good relationship and it won’t damage the national team,” he added.
“I have a professional relationship with some of my team-mates and I’m friends with others – just like in any workplace.
“Relationships change – they go through ups and downs.”
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