REAL MADRID manager Fabio Capello said in a radio interview yesterday that he would leave the Spanish club at the end of the season. The announcement prompted renewed speculation that Capello, who says he has not yet signed with any other team, will return to struggling Italian champions AC Milan. German coach Jupp Heynckes is the favourite to take over at Real.

Capello's announcement had been expected by most Spanish commentators. "I took the decision to leave only two days ago after a dialogue with the club's managers proved impossible," he said.

He denied recent speculation in the Italian media that he had already signed with AC Milan. "It is a lie to say I have already signed for someone else," he told the radio station. Real Madrid are currently top of the Spanish League, eight points clear of second-placed Barcelona. "I am going to die to win the league for Real," added Capello.