Ancelotti snubs Real Madrid for AC Milan

AC Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti has snubbed the chance to join Spanish giants Real Madrid by extending his contract with the Italian side.

Ancelotti, whose contract had been due to expire in June 2007, extended until June 30, 2008 with an option for an additional season.

The 46-year-old admitted he had been interested in the Spanish job which will be vacated by Juan Ramon Lopez Caro at the end of the season, but decided to stick with AC Milan, now second in Serie A, 10 points behind Juventus.

Ancelotti said: "It's true I was really tempted to go to Madrid but I finally decided to extend my stay in Milan and I think I've made the right choice. I'm happy to stay here."

Club vice-president Adriano Galliani said he was delighted by the decision.

"It's a day to remember and for me it's a natural conclusion. Ancelotti told me that he had been contacted by Real and was very tempted to accept but it's only right that he stays with us," said Galliani.

Ancelotti arrived in November 2001 after three seasons with Juventus.

A former Italian winger with AS Roma (1980-86) and AC Milan (1987-1992), Ancelotti was capped 26 times for the national side.