Ancelotti Keen to Remain at Real Beyond 2026 

Real Madrid's head coach Carlo Ancelotti attends a press conference after a training session of the team in Madrid, Spain, 02 January 2024. (EPA)
Real Madrid's head coach Carlo Ancelotti attends a press conference after a training session of the team in Madrid, Spain, 02 January 2024. (EPA)
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Ancelotti Keen to Remain at Real Beyond 2026 

Real Madrid's head coach Carlo Ancelotti attends a press conference after a training session of the team in Madrid, Spain, 02 January 2024. (EPA)
Real Madrid's head coach Carlo Ancelotti attends a press conference after a training session of the team in Madrid, Spain, 02 January 2024. (EPA)

Carlo Ancelotti said he wanted to remain at Real Madrid beyond 2026 after the Italian inked a two-year contract extension at the Spanish club last week.

The 64-year-old, whose previous contract was due to expire at the end of June, has been at Real since 2021, having previously managed the club from 2013 to 2015.

He has won one league title with Real, along with two Champions League trophies and two Club World Cups.

"My contract was up on June 30. The club has decided to do it now because they're happy with our work," Ancelotti told reporters on Tuesday ahead of a home game against Mallorca.

"I don't know if it will be my last spell as a coach. I don't know what will happen once I finish here. I might still be here in 2026, depending on how successful I am.

"I'd like to be Madrid coach until 2026, and hopefully I can continue to be here in 2027 and 2028 because I want to stay here."

Prior to signing the extension Ancelotti had been linked with a move to Brazil's national team, with ex-Brazilian FA (CBF) president Ednaldo Rodrigues having said he was the preferred candidate.

But Ancelotti said staying at Real had always been his priority.

"I was proud (to be considered), but it was all dependent on my situation with Real Madrid and that it was all clear," he added.

"Ednaldo is not the president right now and everything has gone the way I wanted because I'm able to stay here. Thinking about being the Brazil coach was exciting, but I don't know if they will want me in 2026.

"I don't know if they will be happy with this decision."

Real lead LaLiga on goal difference ahead of Girona after 18 games.



Former Real Madrid, PSG Goalkeeper Keylor Navas Joins Newell's Old Boys on Free Transfer

 Keylor Navas during the a match REUTERS/Mayela Lopez/File Photo
Keylor Navas during the a match REUTERS/Mayela Lopez/File Photo
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Former Real Madrid, PSG Goalkeeper Keylor Navas Joins Newell's Old Boys on Free Transfer

 Keylor Navas during the a match REUTERS/Mayela Lopez/File Photo
Keylor Navas during the a match REUTERS/Mayela Lopez/File Photo

Former Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Keylor Navas joined the Argentinian club Newell's Old Boys on a free transfer on Wednesday, The AP reported.

The 38-year-old Costa Rican, who recently retired from international soccer, won three Champions League titles with Real but has not played since the end of his stint in Paris last May.

“Thank God we are returning to the pitch," Navas said on his social media accounts. "I feel ready, willing and very happy to take this new challenge.”

Newell's, Lionel Messi's boyhood club, is based in Rosario, 300 kilometers (186 miles) northeast of Buenos Aires.

Newell's called Navas “an international legend” on social media. He has played in the last three World Cups for his country.

The length of his deal with Newell's has not been disclosed.