Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has announced that he will be staying at the club next season, putting an end to suggestions he was set to take over as the new head coach of the Brazilian national team.

The 63-year-old confirmed his decision after his side’s 1-1 draw at home to Athletic Bilbao, in which club captain and second-all-time top goal scorer Karim Benzema played his final match for Los Blancos following his decision to swap Spain for Saudi Arabia.

Champions League specialist Ancelotti confirms Real Madrid stay

The Italian has already had an extraordinary career, winning league titles in all five of Europe’s leagues, and returned to the club for a second spell after leaving Premier League side Everton in the summer of 2021.

As confirmed by reputable reporter Fabrizio Romano, Ancelotti said to Spanish media on Sunday, “I am staying at Real Madrid next season, it’s 100%”.

Carlo Ancelotti confirms: “I am staying at Real Madrid next season, it’s 100%”, he said after tonight’s game. ⚪️🤝🏻 #RealMadrid pic.twitter.com/SYc1DF35hu

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 4, 2023

Ancelotti also expressed his surprise at the departure of his captain Benzema following the Frenchman’s 14 years at the Bernabeu.

In the same interview, the Italian said, “Benzema told us about his decision to leave the club this morning, it was really unexpected. His departure was surprising, now we have time to think about what we should do. We will sign strikers”.