Carlo Ancelotti’s departure from Everton to join Real Madrid has been confirmed.
Ancelotti will head back to the Bernabeu to replace Zinedine Zidane and made a statement which on the club’s website in the wake of the news.
“I would like to thank the Board of Directors, the players, and the Evertonians for the tremendous support they have all given me during my time at the Club.
“I have complete respect for everyone associated with Everton and hope they can achieve the exciting opportunities they have in front of them.
“While I have enjoyed being at Everton I have been presented with an unexpected opportunity which I believe is the right move for me and my family at this time.”
While many might have expected Ancelotti to accept the offer when Madrid came calling, former Everton midfielder Don Hutchison had a dig at the Italian.
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He said he felt sorry for the fans, and also the players he brought to the club.
It doesn’t take much reading between the lines to include James Rodriguez right at the top of that list.
Ancelotti didn’t pull up any trees at Everton, but he did provide progress and hope of a better future.
His exit is a body blow for the club and they’re now scratching around for another boss who can take Everton where they need to be.
One thing Hutchison is right about is that it’s only worth having people who want to be at your club.
Time will tell who that manager is, with a host of names already in the frame.