Carlo Ancelotti has revealed that he rejected the opportunity to return to AC Milan because he felt drained by his time in charge of Real Madrid.

The Italian coach was dismissed by the Spanish giants in May after two years in charge, despite leading them to Champions League success in 2014.

Ancelotti, who won eight major honours as Milan boss between 2001 and 2009, says that Rossoneri CEO Adriano Galliani attempted to lure him back to the San Siro this summer.

"When he learned I wouldn't be staying in Madrid, Galliani came to test the waters," Ancelotti told Corriere della Sera.

"He showed me all his affection, but I told him right away: 'no thanks'. We spent some nice days together, Galliani is nice, and he's intelligent but after two years at Real I had no energy.

"Real is very draining. We didn't even talk about money. That said, if it had been another time I would have come back."

Ancelotti has recently been linked with the vacant manager's role at Liverpool.