Carlo Ancelotti is set to be announced as the new manager of Chelsea after the Italian confirmed that his contract with Milan had been mutually terminated.
Ancelotti confirmed his departure from the Rossoneri immediately after his team’s 2-0 win at Fiorentina on the final day of the Serie A season on Sunday.
The victory confirmed Milan's third-placed finish and their participation in next season’s Champions League, leaving Ancelotti clear to pursue what is believed to be a career in England with Chelsea.
Ancelotti leaves a year before the expiry of his Milan contract having been one of his team's most successful coaches. In eight years at the San Siro, Ancelotti won the Champions League twice.
“It’s a good choice for both parties,” Ancelotti said of his departure.
“There is no issue with our separation, only mutual respect for each other.
“I cannot say officially where I am going because nothing is finalised. I hope to know soon, but it’s not definite that I’m going to London.”
The 49-year-old is widely expected to succeed Guus Hiddink who on Saturday delivered the FA Cup to crown a highly successful interim tenure at Chelsea after the Dutchman took temporary charge at Stamford Bridge.
Hiddink's unwavering commitment to his role with the Russian national team meant Chelsea had to look elsewhere though for their long-term replacement for Luiz Felipe Scolari.
Milan wasted little time in naming Ancelotti's replacement, with technical director Leonardo having been given the head coach's role immediately after his departure.
Club vice-president Adriano Galliani confirmed: "Leonardo is our new coach and will be presented at the San Siro on Monday at midday."