Real Madrid Trophy-Laden Manager Admits He Nearly Joined Inter Milan: “Didn’t Sign Me Because Of Parma President’s Decision” | OneFootball

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti admitted he nearly joined Inter Milan during his illustrious playing career.

Speaking in the latest episode of L’Armandillo via FCInterNews, the trophy-laden manager made a shocking revelation.

Carlo Ancelotti wore the jerseys of only three clubs during his 16-year career as a professional football player.

Indeed, he came through Parma’s youth academy before making his senior debut in 1976.

Then, he joined Roma in 1979, helping the club win one Scudetto and four Coppa Italia titles during his eight-year stay in the capital.

However, Ancelotti’s most famous stint came after a remarkable decade-long spell at the Stadio Olimpico.

In 1987, he left Rome to join Inter’s arch-rivals AC Milan.

Ancelotti won the Serie A title in his first season at the San Siro before lifting back-to-back Europan Cup trophies.

In fact, he won seven major domestic and international titles in the Rossoneri shirt before calling time on his career in 1992.

Little did anyone know Ancelotti could’ve linked up with Inter before signing for Roma.

Yet, former Parma president Ernesto Ceresini didn’t let that happen.

Carlo Ancelotti Admits He Nearly Joined Inter Milan as Player

MADRID, SPAIN – MARCH 04: Carlo Ancelotti, Head Coach of Real Madrid, looks on ahead of the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Round of 16 first leg match between Real Madrid C.F. and Atletico de Madrid at on March 04, 2025 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

“They didn’t sign me because the Parma president, Ernesto Ceresini, raised the price after the match,” he said.

“I have a beautiful memory of it because, for the first time, I played alongside my idols Bordon, Canuti, Bini, Altobelli…

“Even though my true idol as a kid was Sandro Mazzola.”

In addition to his glory playing days at Milan, Ancelotti helped the Rossoneri win numerous titles as a manager.

Indeed, he won two Champions League crowns with the San Siro giants between 2003 and 2007.

Furthermore, he led Milan to Serie A glory in 2003/04 and remains the last Rossoneri boss to win the Coppa Italia title.

However, everything could’ve been different had it not been for Ceresini’s decision.