Departing Ancelotti proud of unforgettable Real Madrid stints

Carlo Ancelotti is proud of the legacy he will leave behind at Real Madrid as he prepares for his new venture as Brazil coach.

It was confirmed on Monday that Ancelotti would be taking charge of the Selecao from May 26, the day after Madrid’s LaLiga campaign ends.

Sunday’s 4-3 defeat to Barcelona in a thrilling Clasico all but ensured Madrid would end this season trophyless.

But Ancelotti, who is set to be replaced by Xabi Alonso, will leave the club as the most successful manager in Madrid’s illustrious history, with 15 trophies under his belt, including three Champions League titles.

“There have been some unforgettable years that I’ll carry dearly close to my heart,” Ancelotti told reporters ahead of Wednesday’s clash with Mallorca – should Madrid fail to win, then Barca will be crowned champions.

“Football, like life itself, is full of adventures that begin but eventually have to end. I always knew that one day it would come to an end my time here at Real.

“It has been a wonderful period, which is coming to an end. A great time. But if even life comes to an end, imagine what it’s like when a period with a football team comes to an end.

“I’ve enjoyed it, and I want to finish it well. And then, on the 26th, I’ll talk about another challenge.”

A maior Seleção da história do futebol agora será liderada pelo técnico mais vitorioso do mundo. Carlo Ancelotti, sinônimo de conquistas históricas, foi anunciado nesta segunda-feira (12) pelo presidente da CBF, Ednaldo Rodrigues, como o novo técnico da Seleção Brasileira. Ele… pic.twitter.com/grw3Rb1BmL

— CBF Futebol (@CBF_Futebol) May 12, 2025

The fact that Madrid have yet to officially announce Ancelotti’s departure was raised by reporters but he played it down and said everything was done in accordance with all the parts involved.

“Real will issue a statement when they think adequate, but there is no problem or issue between all parts whatsoever,” Ancelotti said.

“I never had problems with Real and never will have problems with Real. It’s a club that lives dearly in my heart, but everything in life has a date to end.”

The 65-year-old, who has won the Champions League a record five times and overseen 350 Madrid games in all competitions, was also quizzed on his potential replacement.

“I am very fond of [Alonso],” said Ancelotti, who coached the Spaniard at both Madrid and Bayern Munich.

“I don’t have any advice for him because he has all the tools to be a great coach in the future.”

Ancelotti’s second spell at Madrid came around unexpectedly, as he was poached from Everton following 18 months in his post at Goodison Park.

“The day I arrived, if someone had told me I would win 11 titles in four years, I would have signed [for] it in blood,” he quipped.

“This season hasn’t gone well for many reasons. But it has been an unforgettable period.

“I couldn’t be Madrid coach for the rest of my life. It comes to an end for many reasons. The club may need a new impetus. I’m not making a big deal out of it.

“A thousand thanks to this club. And we’ll carry on. I’ll always be a Madrid fan. It’s the end of an era. Spectacular. I never thought I’d coach Madrid for six years, and now it’s happened.”