Will Fantastic Memories of Real Madrid Last a Lifetime for Ancelotti?

Madrid, May 13 (NationPress) Head coach Carlo Ancelotti reflected on his second stint at Real Madrid, stating that the club will eternally hold a special place in his heart as he prepares to join the Brazil national team.

Even though Ancelotti experienced a successful era with Los Blancos, securing three UCL titles over two terms, he departs after a season without trophies and a seven-point deficit behind league leaders FC Barcelona.

Scheduled to join the Selecao on May 26, one day after the final league match, Ancelotti expresses gratitude for his journey with the club.

“Football, much like life, is a journey that begins and concludes. I always anticipated that one day it would come to an end. This marks the conclusion of a wonderful chapter. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time here. But, as with all things, moments of closure arrive,” he asserted.

“If life has an end, then certainly a chapter with a football team does too. I’ve cherished this experience and wish to conclude it positively. On the 26th, I will discuss a new challenge. I’ve never encountered issues with the club, nor will I in the future.

“This club is dear to me, and it will remain so even when this chapter closes. It concludes after several years during which we achieved numerous titles, leaving behind fantastic memories that will last a lifetime,” Ancelotti stated during the press conference.

The defeat to FC Barcelona on Sunday marked Ancelotti's 350th match with Real Madrid across two tenures, following his return in 2021. His impressive record includes 247 victories, 50 draws, and 53 losses.

As the coach with the second-most matches in Real Madrid history—after Miguel Munoz (605)—Ancelotti has led the team to 15 titles, making him the most successful manager in the club's 123-year history, with three Champions Leagues, Club World Cups, and European Super Cups each, alongside two La Liga titles, Copa del Reys, and Spanish Super Cups each.

“I never felt that Madrid didn’t want me. Madrid cherishes me, even as I transition to Brazil on the 25th. They have consistently shown me love. I understand I cannot coach Madrid forever. This phase is concluding for various reasons.

“Perhaps the club requires a new direction. I won’t dramatize it. A thousand thanks to this club. We move forward. I will always have a connection to Madrid. This remarkable period is drawing to a close. I never anticipated coaching Madrid for six years, but here we are,” he added.

Reportedly, Ancelotti will be succeeded by Xabi Alonso, the former Bayer Leverkusen head coach and ex-Real Madrid player, who left his previous club earlier this month.

Ancelotti holds nothing but respect for his potential successor, asserting that he need not offer Alonso any advice due to his existing capabilities.

“I have great affection for him. I don’t have any advice to provide, as he possesses all the qualities to become a remarkable coach in the future,” Ancelotti concluded.