Carlo Ancelotti is one of the most decorated managers in European football, having tasted success with AC Milan, Chelsea, PSG, and Real Madrid.
The 65-year-old is currently in his second stint with Los Blancos, having returned to the club in 2021 and has already won two La Liga titles and two UEFA Champions League trophies since then.
Ancelotti signed a new contract with Real Madrid last year, committing to the club until 2026 amid strong interest from the Brazilian national team.
Retirement on the horizon?
Now, speaking on The Obi One Podcast with former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel, Ancelotti has dropped a huge retirement hint, stating that Real Madrid will be his last club.
“Real Madrid will be my last club,” confirmed the Italian tactician, before going on to state that he was not really excited by the possibility of coaching a national team in the future.
“If there is an opportunity for a national team, I don’t know,” he said. “I’m not so excited at coaching a national team because I would lose what I like most, the day-to-day. I really enjoy what I’m doing.”
Reflecting on his legendary managerial career, the 65-year-old added: “This is my season number 29 as a coach. It’s true that I have won a lot but imagine the number of titles I lost.”
Xabi Alonso the replacement?
As mentioned earlier, Ancelotti was heavily linked with the Brazil job last year during which time Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso was touted as a possible replacement for him at Real Madrid.
However, the Italian tactician signed a new contract until 2026 while Alonso turned down overtures from clubs like Liverpool and Bayern Munich to continue with Leverkusen.
As such, it has been suggested that the former Real Madrid man will be Ancelotti’s successor when the Italian decides to call time on his stint at the Santiago Bernabeu.