Carlo Ancelotti hints career in club football is over

Carlo Ancelotti has revealed that his career in club football could be over after his official departure from Real Madrid was announced on Friday.

The Italian has confirmed that the Brazil managerial stint may be his last, following his early Real Madrid exit before the Club World Cup commences.

The Brazil-bound manager is expected to leave Los Blancos this weekend, having agreed mutual terms to part ways with the 15-time Champions League winners after his last game on Saturday.

Real Madrid officially confirmed the departure of Ancelotti on Friday, shortly before the Italian would attend the pre-match presser ahead of Madrid’s final La Liga game of the season.

Ancelotti, who is expected to join the Selecao after leaving Santiago Bernabeu, confirmed that his club football career might be over due to his respect for the Royal Whites.

Speaking to reporters on Friday, Ancelotti said (h/t Reuters):

“These are things I don’t know. I don’t feel like coaching another club, or I didn’t, after Madrid. That’s what I’ve said and I maintain.

“In the future… I don’t know. But the most immediate thing is to do well with Brazil.

“I’m very excited to have the opportunity to not betray Madrid with any other club and to go to the national team with the most history, the five-time [world] champions.

“It’s a great challenge, but I love being able to prepare for a World Cup with Brazil.”

The 64-year-old will leave the Bernabeu as the most decorated manager in the club’s unprecedented 123-year history.

Ancelotti managed for a total of six seasons spread over two spells – winning the Copa del Rey and the famous La Decima – Madrid’s 10th Champions League title in his debut season.

Real Madrid’s Italian coach Carlo Ancelotti and his players celebrate with the trophy after the UEFA Champions League final football match between Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid, at Wembley stadium, in London, on June 1, 2024. (Photo by Ben Stansall / AFP) (Photo by BEN STANSALL/AFP via Getty Images)

The former AC Milan, Chelsea, Bayern Munich, and PSG coach helped Madrid to add two more Champions Leagues, two more La Ligas, one Copa del Rey, and a host of other trophies over four seasons in his second spell at the club after being recalled by president Florentino Perez in the summer 2021.

With 15 titles to his name, no other manager in the history of Madrid has achieved as much silverware.

“Don” Carlo is expected to be given a grand farewell and tribute from the Madrid faithful at the Bernabeu on Saturday when Real Sociedad visit for the final La Liga encounter of the season.