Carlo Ancelotti has made a shock selection in his first Brazil squad by recalling a Premier League flop.
He has opted to recall Antony, following the winger’s impressive form for Real Betis since he joined the LaLiga side on loan from Manchester United in January.
The winger has scored nine goals for the Spanish outfit, adding a further five assists to his tally.
That has helped them finish in sixth place in LaLiga while the Verdiblancos have also reached the Europa Conference League, which will see them play Chelsea.
Ancelotti, 65, takes over the Brazil national team after leaving Real Madrid following the end of the 2024-25 season.
His first matches in charge of the Selecao will see them face Ecuador on June 6 before they play Paraguay on June 11.
Carlo Ancelotti has made a shock selection in his first Brazil squad
He has opted to recall Antony, following the winger’s impressive form for Real Betis
The winger has scored nine goals for the Spanish outfit, adding a further five assists
Ancelotti will become the first non-Brazilian manager of the national team in its history as he begins his first job in international management.
He won the Champions League, Copa del Rey and LaLiga on two occasions in his second stint and will become the first foreign coach of the Selecao on May 26.
However, his final season was a disappointment, with Madrid failing to win a trophy despite the arrival of Kylian Mbappe.
The club said in a statement: ‘Real Madrid CF and Carlo Ancelotti have reached an agreement to end his tenure as Real Madrid manager.
‘Our club wishes to express its gratitude and affection to one of the greatest legends of Real Madrid and world football.
‘Carlo Ancelotti led our team through one of the most successful periods in our 123-year history and has become the coach with the most titles in our history: three European Cups, three Club World Cups, three European Super Cups, two La Liga titles, two Copa del Rey titles, and two Spanish Super Cups. A total of 15 titles during his six seasons at our club.’
Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez added: ‘Carlo Ancelotti is now forever part of the great Real Madrid family.
‘We are proud to have enjoyed a coach who has helped us achieve so much success and who has also represented the values of our club in an exemplary manner.
Real Madrid wishes him and his entire family the best of luck in this new stage of his life.’
In his own personal letter to Real fans, Ancelotti wrote: ‘Today we go separate ways again. Today again I take in my heart every moment I’ve lived in this wonderful second stage as Real Madrid coach.
‘It’s been unforgettable years, an incredible journey full of emotions, titles and, above all, pride of representing this shield.
‘Thanks to the president Florentino Perez, to the club, to my players, to my staff and, above all, to this unique fan that has always made me feel like one of them.
‘What we have achieved together will remain forever in the memory of Madridisimo… not only for the triumphs, but for the way we achieved them. The magic nights of the Bernabéu are already football history.
‘Now a new adventure begins, but my bond with Real Madrid is eternal. See you soon Madridistas! Hala Madrid Y Nada Más!’
