Carlo Ancelotti turns down AC Milan offer

Carlo Ancelotti has turned down the chance to return to Milan, telling the club he needs rest after two years at Real Madrid.

The Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani said last week the Rossoneri had reached out to the 55-year-old about a return to the San Siro after his Madrid spell came to an end.

But Ancelotti, writing on Twitter, said he had declined the opportunity: “Thanks to @acmilan for their support interest. It was hard to say no to such beloved club to me but I need some rest. I wish them the best.”

Ancelotti left Real Madrid after a trophyless season and declared he would take a year off from coaching. He is one of the most successful coaches in Milan’s history, having led them to the Serie A title in 2004 and two Champions League crowns before he left in 2009 to join Chelsea after eight years in the job.

The Italian, who led Real to a 10th European Cup title in June 2014 but failed to win the league in his two seasons in Madrid, is planning to have back surgery in Canada this summer.

Milan missed out on European football as they limped to 10th place in Serie A under Filippo Inzaghi, whose contract runs to June 2016.

Credit: Guardian Sport