Rio de Janeiro, May 27
Carlo Ancelotti said Monday that his sole aim as Brazil's new head coach is to lead the team to its sixth World Cup title, ending a 24-year wait to return to football's summit.
Ancelotti was officially unveiled at a news conference in Rio de Janeiro, two days after ending his tenure at Real Madrid, where he won 15 trophies across two spells, reports.
"It's an honor to be manager of the best national team in the world," the 65-year-old said.
"I don't have any doubt about what is expected of me. The goal is to win the World Cup next year, to help Brazil get back to the top. I'm excited about the opportunity."
Ancelotti was appointed earlier this month to replace Dorival Junior, who was dismissed after Brazil's 4-1 World Cup qualifying defeat to Argentina in Buenos Aires.
The Italian said he was drawn to the job by Brazil's footballing tradition and a longstanding affinity with the country.
"My connection with Brazil started in the 80s, playing with Falcao and (Toninho) Cerezo (at Roma)," he said. "And since then I've coached a lot of players from Brazil. They have always known when they need to be serious and when they can have fun."
He added: "I've been to a lot of places but Rio had been missing. Finally I'm here and I feel at home."
Ancelotti's immediate focus will be Brazil's upcoming World Cup qualifiers - away to Ecuador on June 5 and at home against Paraguay five days later.