I don't need money — Ancelotti jokes about moving to Saudi Arabia

The future of Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti remains up in the air, and in a recent interview, he flirted with the idea of taking a job in the Saudi Professional League.

The 66-year-old led Real Madrid to their 14th Champions League title two seasons ago, but his contract is set to end at the end of the season, and he is being publicly courted by the CBF for the Brazil manager job and, more covertly, the SPL.

Don Carlo has continuously stated that his preferred option is to continue at Real Madrid and that he will wait until the end for a contract offer; however, in the press conference ahead of their LALIGA clash against Real Betis this weekend, he answered questions about rumoured interest from the Gulf.

The Italian tactician was asked if he would go the route should he be presented with an expected mammoth transfer offer, and he, with his tongue lodged deep into his cheeks, answered, saying he would jump at the opportunity.

More seriously, however, he explained that money was not his motivation, as he is sufficiently liquid and will not make a decision based on the amount of zeroes. He also claimed not to have been contacted by the disruptors down east and that a move to the SPL was not in the cards for him.

“If I would go to Saudi Arabia for €500 million? Look, I wouldn't even have to book the flight. I would walk with my feet to go there,” Ancelotti jested, per Fabrizio Romano.

“No, I'm joking. I don’t need money. The world is really changing and will keep changing. I’ve not received any call from Saudi. I’ve another plan and it’s not about Saudi.

“I never decided anything based on the financial package. Money is not crucial; I’ve enough money… I just want to feel good.”

Meanwhile, Real Madrid are set to renew their pursuit of Paris Saint-Germain striker Kylian Mbappe after the New Year, aiming for a deal by mid-January.

Mbappe's contract with PSG, set to expire at the end of the season, allows him to engage with other clubs starting in January.

Real Madrid has reportedly set a January 15, 2024, deadline for his decision, as per a report in Spanish outlet AS.