Ancelotti gets emotional as he says goodbye to Real Madrid – ‘An honour and a pleasure'
Carlo Ancelotti received a heartfelt send-off at the Santiago Bernabeu as Real Madrid paid tribute to their most successful manager in what was his final game in charge.
Just before the match against Real Sociedad, the north stand unveiled a giant banner featuring the Italian coach framed by a laurel wreath, with the words: 'Gracias, Carletto.'
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After the match, the tribute continued with a special video being played on the Bernabeu scorecards while fans cheered the Italian.
Ancelotti walked to the centre of the pitch and addressed the supporters, saying (h/t RealMadrid.com):
'It has been an honour and a pleasure to coach this club, this team. I want to thank, first of all, my dear president Florentino. It has been fantastic to coach this group of players of extraordinary quality. It has been fantastic to share all these moments with you.'
Fans paid tribute to Ancelotti. (Photo by)
Continuing, he added: 'It has been extraordinary to live this story with you. It has been an extraordinary story because no one can forget Karim's three goals against PSG, Rodrygo's two goals against City, Luka's pass against Chelsea, or Joselu's two goals.
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'I also cannot forget a single day I have spent here. I will finish with a 'Hala Madrid y nada más!' I love you all very much.'
Emotional interview
Ancelotti then gave an emotional farewell interview to Real Madrid TV following the victory over Real Sociedad and the moving tribute he received at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The Italian coach, who has won more titles than any other manager in the club's history, shared his reflections on his time with Real Madrid.
'I feel very happy and proud. It has been an extraordinary period. We cannot forget anyone who has been part of this. It will be an unforgettable memory,' he said.
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'I leave with the affection of the people, with the pride of having coached a great club for a long time, and as a Real Madrid fan.'
Talking about what Real Madrid meant to him, Ancelotti said: 'A home, a family, because that is what it has been for the past six years.
'We have had a great time, not only because of the titles, but also because of the atmosphere we managed to create with the club and the president.
'Real Madrid is a different kind of family from other clubs, because you feel that family spirit everywhere – in the stadium, in Valdebebas… I have had a great time.'
Ancelotti says goodbye. (Photo by)
Discussing the success he achieved at the club across his two spells as manager, the Italian remarked:
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'There has been a good connection between the club, the players, and myself. The club has had extraordinary players. Real Madrid will continue to have extraordinary players.'
Finally, touching on the emotional tribute he received and how the entire day has been for him, Ancelotti stated:
'It is a day full of strong emotions. When you win a Champions League, you do not feel this kind of emotion. This is a very powerful feeling. I am very happy and I leave feeling very fulfilled.
'It has been an honour and a pleasure to be part of this family and to enter the history of this club; that was the goal from day one and I have achieved it.'
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