Real Madrid have confirmed their decision to sack manager Carlo Ancelotti after two years in charge at the club.

The Italian arrived at the Bernabeu to much fanfare after winning titles in Italy, England and France and, despite failing to claim La Liga in his first season, did guide the club to their 10th European title, the almost mythical ‘La Decima’.

After a shaky start to this term, Los Blancos then went on a run of 23 consecutive victories but the wheels have come off in recent months, crashing out of both the Copa del Rey and Champions League, as well as finishing second in the table to bitter rivals Barcelona.

The 55-year-old had previously hinted that he could depart the Bernabeu this summer as he requires back surgery and president Florentino Perez has now confirmed the decision to let him a go.

“I would like to announce that the Board of Directors have made the decision to relieve Carlo Ancelotti of his duties as Real Madrid coach,” Perez said in a statement on the club’s official website.

“This has been a difficult decision as you can all imagine, especially for the Board of Directors, but like I always say we are not here, at Real Madrid, to make easy decisions, but to make those that are best for this institution which is recognised globally.”

Rumours are now rife over who will be Ancelotti’s successor in the Spanish capital, with Rafael Benitez believed to be the favourite to take the role.

The 55-year-old previously both played for and coached the club’s B team and the decision is expected to be announced once his Serie A season with Napoli is completed at the weekend.