Ancelotti confirms date of arrival at Brazil national team and farewell to Real Madrid

Carlo Ancelotti confirmed on Tuesday that he will be the new coach of the Brazilian national team. The Real Madrid coach was asked about the matter at a press conference held in Spain and confirmed the date on which he will take over as coach of the five-time world champion team.

" I will be the coach of Brazil from the 26th (of May) , but at the moment I am the coach of Real Madrid and I want to finish well. I have to think about the moment I am living in, the respect the club has and the spectacular fans," said Ancelotti. "I gave it my all. The titles speak for themselves."

"Football, like life, is about adventures that begin and end. On May 25th, a very beautiful period ends. I was very happy and I want to end it well here. I never had any problems with the club. I have the club in my heart . The adventure ends after six years because it had to end. It will stay with me for the rest of my life," he continued.

The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) announced Ancelotti as the new coach of the national team on Monday. Despite the interest in hiring the 65-year-old Italian, the announcement caused surprise due to the fact that Real had not made an official statement about the coach's departure. " Real will make the announcement when it wants, when it is more appropriate, " said Ancelotti. "I am making a statement now (about the national team) only because it has become official," the coach emphasized.

Ancelotti will remain at Real Madrid until the end of the La Liga season. The team is still in contention with Barcelona for the title, despite having little chance of lifting the trophy after Sunday's tough 4-3 defeat in the final Clasico of the season.

According to the CBF, he will meet next week with executive director Rodrigo Caetano and football manager Juan to discuss the list of pre-selection players, which must be sent to FIFA by May 18. On the 26th, he will call up the 23 names that will defend Brazil in the games against Ecuador and Paraguay , for the South American Qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup.

"I know exactly what the next few weeks will be like. I have the matches against Mallorca, Sevilla... and then, on the 26th, we'll think about what's ahead," said Ancelotti when asked about the national team's plans. Despite confirming that he will leave Real to take charge of the national team, Ancelotti dodged questions about Brazil and repeatedly reaffirmed that he is focused on ending the season in Spain on a high note. "I'm very happy, but ask me about other things. I have to respect the Real Madrid shirt until the last day," he said, showing the club's crest on his jacket.

Ancelotti's contract with Real Madrid ran until June 2026, but he made a point of stressing more than once that his relationship with the club was ending in the best possible way. "Madrid always wanted me, they always showed me a lot of affection, but I couldn't be the coach for the rest of my life. There's no need for drama. The club needs a new boost and I'll be a fan of the club for the rest of my life. "

The most likely candidate to take over at Real Madrid is Xabi Alonso , according to information from the Spanish press. The Spanish coach has already announced that he will leave Bayer Leverkusen at the end of the European season, in June, and is expected to lead the team in the revamped Club World Cup. "I have a lot of affection for Xabi. I don't have any advice to give because he has everything to be a great coach in the future", commented Ancelotti.