Carlo Ancelotti excited by ‘new chapter’ with Brazil as he bids Real farewell

Carlo Ancelotti said he is excited to start his “new chapter” as Brazil manager as he prepares for his final match as Real Madrid coach against Real Sociedad on Saturday.

Ancelotti will take over the five-time World Cup winners on May 26 following a disappointing final season in Spain where Real fell short in LaLiga, the Champions League and the Copa del Rey.

His four-year stint in the Spanish capital is his longest time spent at a club since his eight-year spell at AC Milan in the 2000s.

“It’s a great feeling. It’s a really exciting prospect, and I was given the chance to avoid betraying Real Madrid by going to another club, and to lead the most iconic national team in football, the five-time world champions,” Ancelotti said before Real’s final match of the season.

“It’s a huge challenge and I’m relishing the chance to get ready for a World Cup with Brazil. It’s a really beautiful period for me. Now I’m starting out on a new chapter with the same desire and excitement as when I arrived here.

“This spell has come to an end. It’s been a long period together and it’s ending on good terms. There is a full agreement with the club. I’ve never had a conflict with my president, so that wasn’t about to change on my last day.”

The 65-year-old Italian looks set to be replaced by former Real midfielder Xabi Alonso, who led Bayer Leverkusen to Bundesliga glory in the 2024-25 season, at the Bernabeu.

Should he take over, Alonso will be charged with trying to topple Real’s arch-rivals Barcelona, who secured the LaLiga crown earlier this month.

“I don’t want to offer advice, because everyone has their own ideas about football,” Ancelotti added about his successor.

“All I can say is that he’s hugely fortunate to be Real Madrid coach. I wish him all the best, and all the luck in the world. I think he has the attributes to coach this team. I hope he enjoys it.”

Luka Modric will also depart the Bernabeu this summer, ending a 13-year stint where he became the most decorated player in the club’s history.

The Croatia great and Swansea co-owner, 39, has shown no signs that he will retire when he leaves Real following their Club World Cup campaign in the United States next month.

“The goal will be the same as ever. Modric has been an example for everyone,” Ancelotti said about the 2018 Ballon D’or winner.

“There are so many quality players in modern football. What’s really made him stand out is his ability to combine that quality with his spirit. That’s what has seen him become a Real Madrid legend. Not everyone is capable of combining the two.”