DE Sports Desk :
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has expressed pride in his tenure at the Spanish club, calling his time there “unforgettable” as he prepares to take over as head coach of Brazil’s national football team.
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, the 65-year-old Italian reflected on his successful second spell at the Santiago Bernabéu, just a day after the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) officially confirmed his appointment starting at the end of the season.
“There have been some unforgettable years that I will always carry close to my heart,” said Ancelotti.
“Football, like life, is full of cycles. And now, my time at Real Madrid is coming to an end.”
While Wednesday’s La Liga clash against Mallorca was technically the focus of the media event, almost all questions revolved around Ancelotti’s impending departure and his new challenge with the five-time world champions.
Despite Real Madrid yet to release an official statement on Ancelotti’s exit, the coach assured there are no conflicts behind the scenes.
“The club will communicate at the appropriate time,” he said.
“There’s complete harmony. I’ve never had problems with Real Madrid, and I never will. This club will always remain in my heart.”
Ancelotti will travel to Brazil on May 25, immediately after Madrid’s final league game of the season against Real Sociedad.
During his second stint with the Spanish giants, he added several trophies to his name, but this season appears set to end without silverware.
Real Madrid currently sit second in La Liga, trailing arch-rivals Barcelona by seven points.
A slip-up against Mallorca could hand Barcelona the title as early as Wednesday.
Looking ahead, Ancelotti praised his likely successor, former Madrid midfielder and current Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso.
“Xabi has everything it takes to be a great coach. He doesn’t need any advice from me.”
Reflecting on his overall tenure, Ancelotti said, “If someone told me when I returned that I’d win 11 titles in four years, I would have signed that in blood. It hasn’t been the perfect season, but it has been an incredible journey.”
“I couldn’t be Madrid’s coach forever. It’s time for something new—for both the club and for me,” he added.
“A thousand thanks to this club. It’s the end of a spectacular era. I’ll always be a Madrid fan.”