Xabi Alonso expressed his happiness at taking over the coaching of Real Madrid until June 2028, succeeding Italian coach Carlo Ancelotti, who left to coach the Brazilian national team.

Alonso said during his presentation today, Monday: "It is a special day, it will be etched in my memory for life, I feel like I am returning home, because my connection with Real Madrid has never been severed, since I entered Valdebebas an hour and a half ago, this feeling has returned to me."

He added: "Thank you, Mr. President, for your trust in me as someone capable of leading this new era, since it was announced in recent days, I feel that Real Madrid has this enthusiasm for the beginning of a new era and achieving more."

He continued: "It is a special day for everyone, thanks to my family, without whom I would not be here today, I owe you a lot. But I would like to talk about my position; Carlo had a great influence on me; without his experience and the lessons I learned from him, I would not be here. I hope to live up to everyone's expectations."

He concluded: "We have a wonderful team and a bright future, I am excited to build a great team, convinced of our ability to achieve accomplishments worthy of Real Madrid. I want the fans to feel proud, to spread joy, and to say that this is the team I love. If we can ignite this spirit, we will have an invincible team."