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After winning French title, PSG coach Carlo Ancelotti wants to leave to join Real Madrid

PARIS — Paris Saint-Germain coach Carlo Ancelotti wants to leave the club and says Real Madrid is a possible destination.

The Italian had a meeting to discuss his future with club president Nasser Al-Khelaifi and sporting director Leonardo on Sunday. But it's believed the recently crowned French league champions are reluctant to release him a year before his contract expires.

"We had a meeting and I asked to leave the club," Ancelotti said. "We now have to wait a few days for the club's response to decide my future and that of the club.

"I have options and Real Madrid is one of those. I will wait for the club's decision. We will decide together because my wish is to leave the club. It's not easy because I have a very good relationship with everyone. It's not the right time to explain my reasons — and maybe I will never explain."

PHOTO: Paris Saint-Germain's coach Carlo Ancelotti celebrates PSG's French League One title, at the Parc des Princes stadium, in Paris, Saturday, May 18, 2013. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)
Paris Saint-Germain's coach Carlo Ancelotti celebrates PSG's French League One title, at the Parc des Princes stadium, in Paris, Saturday, May 18, 2013. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)

Ancelotti steered PSG to its first league title since 1994 last week amid mounting speculation about his future. He also led the team to the Champions League quarterfinals before it was beaten by Barcelona on away goals.

Earlier this week, Al-Khelaifi said he rebuffed an approach from Madrid's sporting director for Ancelotti.

"Carlo asked to leave for Madrid, but we want him to stay," Leonardo told French sports newspaper L'Equipe earlier on Sunday. "There was no firm decision, we listened to Carlo. We have to consider everything for a bit.

"The priority is still that he remains with us. We have never contacted other managers."

The comments appear to confirm that Jose Mourinho will depart from Madrid at the end of the season. The Portuguese coach has been linked with a return to Chelsea.

PSG's final match of the season is at Lorient next weekend.

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PHOTO: Paris Saint-Germain's coach Carlo Ancelotti celebrates PSG's French League One title, at the Parc des Princes stadium, in Paris, Saturday, May 18, 2013. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)
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