"After Real Madrid yes, I will probably stop. But if Real keep me here for ten years, I will train for ten years."
Interviewed by Prime Video on the eve of the big match of the Champions League (return semi-final) with Manchester City, Carlo Ancelotti, 63, talks for the first time about his possible retirement from the profession of coach.
"I would like to be with my grandchildren, to go on vacation with my wife - says the coach who has just won the La Liga title -, there are many things to do that I have left out and that I would like to do. Go to many places I've never been to. I've never been to Australia. I've never been to Rio de Janeiro. Visit my sister more often. Unfortunately it's not like you can do everything, so the day I quit I'll have all these Things to do".
But isn't it that he would like to lead a national team before he really quits?
"Yes, there would be a national team - he admits - but now it is premature. Definitely not for this World Cup. The one in 2026, why not? It could be. If it will be Canada (his wife's country)? Why not? . Canada did very well. "
Is it also inevitable to talk about Real Madrid, and the possible arrival, of which we speak, of Mbappé in the summer?
How would it integrate with Benzema and Vinicius Junior?
Can all three play together?
"In general, good players play. Karim shouldn't be trained, but neither managed, he does it alone because he is a great professional: he must be used. Karim is not told anything, and he solved many games for us, he was decisive in this season. He is one of the most famous players in the world and he maintains a great humility, and this is his strength. "
However, it should be pointed out that in the 'merengue' home "you don't only win for Benzema, behind there is the strong structure of a strong club, and the quality of a high-level squad".
But can Benzema win the next Ballon d'Or?
"There is no if and but.
I think he will win it, "replies Ancelotti." One of his characteristics was continuity - he adds -.
He has always progressed, has had a consistently high level career and perhaps now he is at the highest level. "
