Chijioke Gabriel
What started like mere rumour gradually became a reality, and Real Madrid on Friday confirmed that outgoing manager Carlo Ancelotti will be leaving the club after the game against Real Sociedad on Saturday.
Meanwhile, the Los Blancos have already appointed Bayer Leverkusen manager and former player Xabi Alonso as Ancelotti’s replacement.
Anceloti, an Italian tactician, is expected to take over the managerial job in Brazil’s national team.
In a statement on Friday, Real Madrid wished him well in his future endeavours.
“Our club wishes to express its gratitude and appreciation for a man who is a true legend of both Real Madrid and world football,” said Los Blancos in a statement.
“Carlo Ancelotti will forever be part of the great Madridista family,” said Madrid president Florentino Perez.
“We feel incredibly honoured to have had the chance to enjoy a coach who has helped us achieve so much success, but who has also embodied our club’s values in such exemplary fashion.”
Ancelotti helped Madrid win their 10th Champions League title in 2014, during his first spell at the club from 2013-2015.
