Real Madrid announce Xabi Alonso as new manager to confirm football's worst-kept secret

Real Madrid have confirmed football's worst-kept secret: is their new manager.

The former Spain, and Madrid midfielder has been announced as the club's replacement for Carlo Ancelotti. The Italian is moving into international management with Brazil after Los Blancos decided to part company with the legendary multi-time winner.

In comes Alonso, for his second senior managerial role, having impressed in his first, at German club Bayer Leverkusen. Alonso lead Die Werkself to the Bundesliga title in his debut campaign - shedding the club's cruel 'Neverkusen' tag - as they swept to the championship unbeaten. They also won the German Cup and looked set for a remarkable treble, only to lose the Final to Atalanta.

His second season saw Bayer unable to usurp once more, but Alonso departed the BayArena a hero, having agreed to take charge in the Spanish capital.

He has signed a three-year deal with Real, a club statement confirmed. It read: " CF announces that Xabi Alonso will be Real Madrid's manager for the next three seasons, from June 1, 2025, to June 30, 2028.

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"Xabi Alonso is one of the greatest legends of Real Madrid and football. He wore our shirt in 236 official matches between 2009 and 2014. During that time, he won six titles: the tenth European Cup in Lisbon, one European Super Cup, one title, two Copa del Rey titles, and one Spanish Super Cup. Xabi Alonso is also a legend of the Spanish national team, with which he won 1 World Cup (2010) and 2 European Championships (2008 and 2012), in 113 international matches.

"Xabi Alonso began his coaching career at Real Madrid's youth academy, managing the U14 A team during the 2018-2019 season, where he won the League and the Champions Tournament. Now he returns to Real Madrid as one of the best coaches in the world, after making history at Bayer Leverkusen, where he won the League, Cup, and German Super Cup in three seasons."

He will formally be unveiled at a press conference on Monday.

Alonso has been Madrid chief's first-choice to replace outgoing boss Ancelotti since the club started discussing the possibility of replacing the ex-Chelsea, and AC Milan boss back in December. The decision was ultimately made to part ways with Ancelotti - who led the side to the La Liga title and Champions League last season, his second European triumph in three years - following the Champions League quarter-final loss to .

There will be more to follow...

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