Real Madrid have sacked Fabio Capello as the coach at El Santiago Bernabeu following his La Liga title-winning season that ended the four-year wait for the Galacticos. The Italian also faced the same fate in his previous stint in 1996-97 after having guided them to the Spanish League title.

The 61-year-old Italian had reportedly said recently that if he does not remain at Real then he might quit from football management. Getafe coach Bernd Schuster, a former player at Real, is the favourite to replace Capello, according to latest reports in Spain.

Capello had come to Madrid on a three-year contract last summer from Juventus. However, under him Real had a major transition as first Ronaldo left for AC Milan and then his apparent mistakes on handling David Beckham, saw the England midfielder take a decision to leave for Los Angeles Galaxy.

Brazil defender Roberto Carlos also revealed he would end his career for Real at the end of the season and subsequently went on to sign for Turkish champions Fenerbahce.

Capello meanwhile went about his task in his disciplined way to sign youngsters from South America and also faced criticism for his less attractive brand of football. But he later agreed to the mistake of keeping Beckham out and welcomed him into the side to herald a change of form as Real seemed to have galvanised and finished with a flourish as they deposed Barcelona from the top on superior head-to-head record.

Madrid sporting director Predrag Mijatovic confirmed Capello's departure at a press conference on Thursday.

"We have taken the decision not to continue with Fabio Capello next season," said Mijatovic.

"It was a difficult decision, but it was a unanimous decision based on an exhaustive report I made to the board. "We don't think Fabio Capello is the right person to lead Real Madrid into the future given what we want this club to achieve."

"Now we have time to think over who will be the next coach of the club."

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