Real Madrid have appointed their former midfielder Xabi Alonso as manager on a three-year deal.
Alonso, who made 236 appearances for Real Madrid as a player, announced earlier this month that he would leave Bayer Leverkusen at the end of the season.
The former Liverpool and Spain midfielder, 43, led Leverkusen to the Bundesliga title – without losing a game – and the German Cup in his first full season as a senior club manager during the 2023-24 campaign.
Alonso, who has signed a deal running until 30 June 2028, succeeds Carlo Ancelotti.
The Italian took charge of his final game for the Spanish giants on Saturday, and will now become coach of Brazil.
Alonso, who won the Champions League as a player at Real in 2014, will be introduced as manager at Real Madrid’s training ground on Monday.
Earlier this month Ancelotti called Alonso “one of the best in the world”.
Bayer Leverkusen failed to retain their Bundesliga this season, finishing second behind Bayern Munich.
Former Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag is on the brink of agreeing a deal to replace Alonso at Leverkusen.
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