Wednesday, 26th June, 2013

Carlo Ancelotti has arrived at Real Madrid with the very clear purpose of bringing "a season of happiness" to the Spanish giants, with the Champions League billed as the most coveted title.

Real Madrid formalised the appointment of Ancelotti yesterday – coincidentally at the same time as his former club Paris Saint-Germain did with Laurent Blanc – and he takes charge on a three-year contract.



Whilst Real Madrid have struggled to break Barcelona’s dominance in recent seasons, their former boss Jose Mourinho did manage a league title in 2012.

However, it is in Europe that they have faced most problems, with their last Champions League triumph coming as far back as 2002, when a Zinedine Zidane-inspired side beat Bayer Leverkusen.

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And Ancelotti has been charged with not only ensuring Los Blancos maintain their style, but also delivering the trophy they once made their own.

At his official presentation, the Italian said: "The objective is very clear, the most prestigious club in the world have to win and play spectacular football.

"The tradition of the club is to play attacking and spectacular football. We’re going to work to give the kind of football that gives happiness to the fans.

"I am very happy to be here. I think this season will be a season of happiness for Real Madrid."

Club president Florentino Perez had been most vocal in recent months about bringing Ancelotti to Spain, and it was he who set out the goals for the manager.

As if in response to Ancelotti’s desire for spectacular football, Perez added: "You know that the Champions League is the most coveted trophy.

"Ancelotti will feel the support of our fans, who demand the best – but are always with us right until the very end. Nothing he has experienced before will be like what he will experience at this historic club."

And Ancelotti, who left PSG a year before his contract was set to expire, was delighted with the club’s potential, including the all-important backing from Perez.

"We went to the training centre, which is fantastic", he said. "All that I need is there. I have that and the support from the president and from the fans.

"I want to thank Florentino and [general manager] Jose Angel who have done much work for me here. I want to also thank PSG for the years I spent there."

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