By Matt Burrows
Bayern Munich manager Pep Guardiola has announced he will leave the German champions at the end of the season – with Carlo Ancelotti confirmed as his successor.
The Spaniard has been linked with a host of clubs since rumours first started circulating of his exit from the European giants, including Manchester City, Manchester United and Arsenal.
The 44-year-old is also believed to be interesting Chelsea after they sacked Jose Mourinho last week and confirmed they would be looking for a new manager at the start of next season.
Bayern chief executive Karl-Heinz Rummenigge was thankful for Guardiola's time at the club – a three-season stint that has seen him win five major trophies.
"We are grateful to Pep Guardiola for everything he has given our club since 2013," he said.
"I am convinced that Pep and our team will now work even more intensively towards achieving our major sporting goals - especially as it is now confirmed that Pep is to leave FC Bayern."
Guardiola's replacement at Allianz Stadium is ex-Chelsea and Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti, who had stated that his intention was to move to the English Premier League just last month, but has since changed his mind.
"I am very honoured. I'll be in next season to coach the great FC Bayern," Ancelotti said.
Rumenigge was highly complimentary of the Italian, who has won the English Premier League three times with AC Milan and Real Madrid.
"Carlo is a calm, balanced expert, who knows how to deal with stars and favours a multifaceted style of play - we were looking for this, and we have found it," he said.
"We are looking forward to working with him."
Bayern Munich are eight points clear of second-placed Borussia Dortmund on the Bundesliga table, and face Juventus in the Champions League last 16 early next year.
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