Fri May 23 13:24:24 UTC 2025: ## Ancelotti Bids Farewell to Real Madrid, Endorses Alonso as Successor
**Madrid, Spain** – Carlo Ancelotti has officially confirmed his departure from Real Madrid, with the Italian manager set to take over as coach of the Brazil national team. In his final press conference before Saturday’s La Liga match against Real Sociedad, Ancelotti offered his best wishes to his anticipated successor, Xabi Alonso.
While Real Madrid has yet to formally announce Alonso’s appointment, the Bayer Leverkusen coach is widely expected to take the reins before the Club World Cup in June. Ancelotti expressed his confidence in Alonso, stating, “Xabi is the first (to come after me), I wish him all the luck in the world, because he is a coach who has the characteristics to coach this club, this team – enjoy it.”
Alonso, a former Real Madrid midfielder, arrives with significant accolades after leading Bayer Leverkusen to an undefeated Bundesliga title and German Cup victory in 2024.
Ancelotti departs after six seasons across two spells at the club, leaving behind a legacy of 15 trophies, including three Champions League titles, two La Liga titles, and two Copa del Rey victories. He acknowledged the emotional weight of his departure, stating, “It will be a very emotional day tomorrow. I have no problem if I end up crying, no problem at all, I will not hide it in that sense. It will be a beautiful day.”
His final match will also mark Luka Modric’s last game at the Santiago Bernabeu before the midfielder departs to play in the Club World Cup in the United States. “I’m sharing it with Luka,” said Ancelotti. “He has been a spectacular help in this era at Real Madrid, he is fantastic, a legend, and saying goodbye along with him seems nice to me.”
In an open letter posted on social media, Ancelotti expressed his enduring connection to the club, stating, “My bond with Real Madrid is eternal.”
Real Madrid released a statement thanking Ancelotti for his service, acknowledging him as “a true legend of both Real Madrid and world football” and stating that he “will forever be part of the great Madridista family.” Club President Florentino Perez added, “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’s departure marks the end of an era for Real Madrid, but the club and fans alike are looking forward to the new era under the guidance of Xabi Alonso.
First Piper 