Ancelotti says Real Madrid turned him from coach into passionate fan

Carlo Ancelotti says Real Madrid has become “home and family” to him after the Brazil manager returned to the club to visit several of the national team’s players.

Ancelotti was at Real Madrid on Thursday to check on the condition of the Brazilian players currently recovering at the club. The Italian, who previously managed the Spanish side, said his time there had left him with lasting memories and a deep personal connection.

“Real Madrid is home, family and everything. I had a wonderful time here and have amazing memories,” Ancelotti said during his visit.

The 66-year-old added that his relationship with the club had changed since leaving his position as manager. He now follows Real Madrid as a supporter, with particular enthusiasm.

“I have gone from being a coach to being a Real Madrid fan, and one of the most passionate fans. Whenever Real Madrid play, I sit in front of the television to watch them,” he said.

Ancelotti explained that his visit had a dual purpose. Alongside his responsibilities as Brazil manager, he wanted to return to a place where he had spent a significant period of his career and meet the Brazilian internationals who are currently undergoing recovery.

“I am here in a dual role, as Brazil national team manager, and also in a personal capacity to say hello, return to a place where I spent a long time, and meet the Brazilian players who are currently recovering. It has been a beautiful morning,” he said.

The former Milan and Bayern Munich manager later shared a photograph on his official Instagram account showing him with Real Madrid’s Brazilian players: Endrick, Vinicius Junior, Eder Militao and Rodrygo.

He captioned the image: “A productive morning of work with our players at Valdebebas. A special reunion once again with the big Madrid family. Thank you for all this love and support.”

Ancelotti’s return to Real Madrid came in his new role with Brazil, having previously enjoyed a lengthy spell in charge of the Spanish club. His visit combined professional duties relating to the national team with an emotional reunion at a club he continues to follow closely.

The Italian’s comments underline the strength of his continued bond with Real Madrid, where he says he now watches matches from the perspective of a supporter rather than a manager.