Real Madrid finally confirms Ancelotti departure with Alonso set to sign

Real Madrid on Friday confirmed that Carlo Ancelotti will leave the club after Saturday's final La Liga game of the season at home to Real Sociedad.

The club finally confirmed the news two weeks after the Brazilian Football Confederation announced on May 12 that Ancelotti would take over the Brazilian national team at the end of the month.

"Real Madrid C. F. and Carlo Ancelotti have reached an agreement to bring an end to his time as Real Madrid coach. Our club wishes to express its gratitude and appreciation for a man who is a true legend of both Real Madrid and world football," read a club statement.

The statement contains a brief quote from club president Florentino Perez, who said Ancelotti would "forever be part of the great Madridista family. We feel incredibly honored to have had the chance to enjoy a coach who has helped us achieve so much success, but who has also embodied our club's values in such exemplary fashion."

Ancelotti gave his final pre-game press conference shortly after the announcement was made.

"There's always a lot of emotion when an era ends and this is happening to me," said the coach, insisting he was "not sad at all, just very happy. I've tried to do my best, and we're leaving happy and content, because sooner or later this had to happen."

Real Madrid is expected to name Xabi Alonso as its new coach in the coming days, with the former Bayer Leverkusen boss and Madrid player set to take charge for the Club World Cup.

"I don't want to give advice; everyone has their own methodology. But I hope he enjoys Real Madrid and I wish him all the luck in the world," said Ancelotti about Alonso.