Former Paris Saint-Germain coach Carlo Ancelotti has admitted he is “sorry” over Leonardo’s decision to quit his role as director.
The Brazilian has decided to leave the club after being handed a nine-month ban by the French Football Federation for assaulting referee Alexandre Castro in May.
Ancelotti left PSG for Real Madrid earlier this summer but enjoyed a fruitful relationship with Leonardo at the Parc des Princes, and is disappointed to see him go.
“I’m sorry for Leonardo. You have to respect his decision. I never had any problems with him,” he told reporters after Madrid’s 2-2 friendly draw with Lyon on Wednesday.
Leonardo would have been banned from all official duties surrounding his position, including standing on the touchline during matches, throughout the entire 2013-14 Ligue 1 campaign after losing his appeal.
The 43-year-old was responsible for securing the signatures of high-profile players such as Thiago Motta, Thiago Silva and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, as well as Ancelotti.
