Ancelotti and Seedorf share heart-warming exchange: 'I recognised you'

Former AC Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti and former Milan player Clarence Seedorf shared a pleasant exchange after Real Madrid beat Bayern Munich to reach the Champions League final on Wednesday night. 

Working for Prime Video Sport (via Radio Rossonera), Seedorf got the chance to speak to his former coach and they discussed the change Ancelotti made which saw Joselu come on and score two late goals which sent Real Madrid to Wembley where they will face Borussia Dortmund.

Seedorf was sat near the Real Madrid bench during the match and he asked Ancelotti about the discussions that led to Joselu coming onto the pitch in search of goals, with Los Blancos heading out of the tournament.

Seedorf: “Great, great! Look, I enjoyed myself so much behind you today. At one point, Davide came up to you and said something about the changes. His idea or your idea? Because then I have something to say about that…”

Ancelotti: “We discuss, we talk. The choice of Joselu was shared, because it was approaching the moment of the match when we had more control and he is very strong and dangerous in the area.”

Seedorf then explained that he recognised that element of leadership from Ancelotti from when the pair worked together, in what was a very happy exchange.

“Your leadership comes out in those moments there. When one of your colleagues comes with an idea, but you say: ‘I’ll do it’. That for me was an incredible moment that I recognised. We worked so much together, and so your greatness is clear,” Seedorf said.

The chat ended with Ancelotti explaining the thinking behind his coaching style before Seedorf offered his congratulations to the Italian.

Ancelotti: “Delegation in leadership is very important. I’m fortunate to have a high-level team, but above all players with very strong character.”

Seedorf: “Absolutely, I congratulate you.”

Seedorf spent the bulk of his career playing for Milan but he was also on the books at Real Madrid for four years, meaning he may well have been very pleased to see the lat return around from the Spanish side.