Ancelotti informs Real Madrid of his decision to LEAVE at the end of the season

Carlo Ancelotti has decided not to continue as Real Madrid manager beyond the end of the season, according to reports in Spain.

The Italian, who has been in charge of the European giants for six seasons across two spells, has a contract which runs until 2026, but reportedly wishes to leave the Bernabeu at the end of the term, regardless of the side's achievements.

Ancelotti renewed his deal in December 2023 when rumours swirled over a historic move to the Brazilian national team.

Since then, the 65-year-old has added a LaLiga title and Champions League to his extraordinary list of accomplishments in the Spanish capital.

However, according to Onda Cero, the five-time European Cup-winning boss will depart at the end of the term, with Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso the favourite to take over.

The outlet goes onto to claim that the veteran manager 'is not thinking about retirement' and instead has his sights set on adding to his trophy cabinet at a club in another country.

Ancelotti is one of the most decorated managers of all time and is the only boss to have won a league title in each of Europe's top-five divisions.

In all, the Italian has won 15 major trophies as a manager, including the Premier League and FA Cup during his short spell with Chelsea.

Ancelotti is the only manager to win the European Cup five times and led Madrid to the coveted 'La Decima' - their 10th triumph - in 2013 during his first spell before guiding the outfit to their 14th and 15th in 2022 and 2024 respectively.

This term, the Spanish giants have recovered from a slow start to lead a competitive title race ahead of their neighbours Atletico Madrid and arch rivals Barcelona.

Ancelotti's side moved two points clear at the top following a 4-1 win over Las Palmas on Sunday, while Atletico were beaten by Leganes. Barcelona sit a further five points back of Diego Simeone's side.

Madrid face RB Salzburg in their penultimate Champions League League Phase fixture, looking to secure a place in the top-eight qualification places.