Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti wished the man, Xabi Alonso, would replace “All the Luck in the World” on Friday before he took the lead in his last game in the club.
Bayer Leverkusen -Coach Alonso will take over the club World Cup, although Madrid has not yet officially mentioned him as their next coach.
Ancelotti spoke before Saturday's game in the Santiago Bernabeu against Real Sociedad in Laliga, his last game before taking the reins of the national team of Brazil.
“I don't want to give advice because everyone has their own idea about football,” Ancelotti told a press conference.
“Xabi is the first (who comes behind me), I wish him all the happiness in the world, because he is a coach who has the characteristics to enjoy this club, this team – to enjoy.”
Former Real Madrid -midfielder Alonso, 43, won the Bundesliga with Bayer Leverkusen in 2024 after a stunning undefeated season, together with the German cup.
Ancelotti has coached Madrid for six seasons, spread over two spells in the club and won 15 trophies.
The coach has lifted the Champions League three times with Madrid, as well as two La Liga titles and two Copas del Rey.
Ancelotti said he expected his last game at the helm would be an emotional day.
The 65-year-old said he expected his last game at the helm would be an emotional day.
“I have it in my genetics that I quickly become emotional, because my grandfather did that, and my father, so it will be a very emotional day tomorrow,” Ancelotti continued.
“I have no problem if I ultimately cry, no problem at all, I will not hide it in that sense. It will be a beautiful day.”
On Saturday, the last match of midfielder Luka Modric will also be in the Santiago Bernabeu, with the Croatian to play in the club World Cup in the United States before leaving Madrid.
“I share it with Luka,” said Ancelotti.
“He has been a spectacular help in this era in Real Madrid, he is fantastic, a legend and saying goodbye to him seems nice to me.”
'Eternal' Binding
The coach also posted an open letter on social media to say goodbye, and said that his relationship with Real Madrid was 'eternal'.
“In my heart I wear every moment that in this beautiful second spell is experienced as Real Madrid coach,” wrote Ancelotti.
“They have been unforgettable years, an incredible journey full of emotions, trophies and especially the pride of representing this badge …
“My band with Real Madrid is forever.”
Real Madrid confirmed that Ancelotti left earlier on Friday, a year before his contract ended, almost two weeks after Brazil announced that the Italian will coach their national team from this summer.
“Our club wants to express its gratitude and appreciation for a man who is a real legend of both Real Madrid and World Football,” Los Blancos said in a statement.
“Carlo Ancelotti will forever be part of the Great Madridista family,” said Madrid President Florentino Perez.
“We feel incredibly honored that we had the opportunity to enjoy a coach who helped us achieve so much success, but who also embodied the values ​​of our club in such an exemplary way.”
Ancelotti helped Madrid to win their 10th Champions League title in 2014, during his first enchantment in the Club of 2013-2015.
The coach returned in 2021 and helped them win the European top match in 2022 and 2024.
After two won with AC Milan, Ancelotti is the coach who has won the most Champions League trophies with five.