Carlo Ancelotti has revealed that Diego Lopez was allowed to leave Real Madrid in the summer because the Spanish goalkeeper was desperate to play regularly.

Lopez, who shared goalkeeping duties with Iker Casillas last season, completed a move to AC Milan last month following the arrival of Keylor Navas, and Ancelotti understands why the 32-year-old needed to leave La Liga.

"In Madrid he was competing for a place with Casillas. He has decided to take on a new challenge, a different style of football in a different league," the Italian told Il Giornale.

"He's a quality keeper, hard-working and dedicated. He wanted more stability which is why he left Madrid."

Lopez made 36 appearances in La Liga last season.