Jose Mourinho insists Carlo Ancelotti will STAY at Real Madrid and says he would be a 'madman' to join Brazil

The Portuguese manager emphatically discouraged Ancelotti from departing Real Madrid, denouncing any move to coach Brazil as the decision of a "madman". The Brazilian Football Confederation's claim regarding Ancelotti coaching the national team at the 2024 Copa America has raised questions about the Italian's future in the Spanish capital. Moreover, his contract which ends in the summer of 2024, is yet to be renewed which adds fuel to speculation about the potential Brazil job.

Mourinho, in an interview with TG1, said: "I think only a madman would leave Real Madrid when he is still wanted. I am certain that at the first sign from Florentino [Perez, Madrid's president], Carlo will remain, because he is perfect for Real Madrid and Real Madrid are perfect for him."

Although Mourinho dismissed any possibility of him returning to the Bernabeu, there was a hint of regret in his voice when he spoke about his own departure from Real Madrid as he left in 2013, despite agreeing to an extension until 2016, a year back.

"That madman was me, the only one who after three years, with a President who still wanted me, and Jose Sanchez too, I decided to leave," he said.

Mourinho's future at the Italian capital also hangs in the air as his contract at Roma will come to an end at the end of the season. He had lucrative offers from the Saudi Pro League during the summer and could once again be tempted to set sail for the Middle East after completing his obligations with Roma.

Meanwhile, several names have been floated as Ancelotti's successor which include Brighton boss Roberto de Zerbi and Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso.