Real Madrid have confirmed the reappointment of former Everton boss Carlo Ancelotti as their new manager.
Ancelotti led Everton to a 10th-placed finish in the Premier League last season and had been expected to continue at Goodison Park for the 2021-22 campaign, with his contract running until 2024.
However, the Italian emerged as a contender to take over the vacant Real Madrid post shortly after Zinedine Zidane stepped down from his role last week.
Los Blancos have now confirmed the return of Ancelotti, who led the club to Champions League glory during his two-year stint from 2013 to 2015, on a three-year deal.
👋 #WelcomeBackAncelotti
— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) June 1, 2021
👉 @MrAncelotti pic.twitter.com/yY5NKF5tsd
In a separate statement on Everton's official website, Ancelotti said: "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."
Ancelotti spent 18 months in charge at Goodison Park, winning 31, drawing 14 and losing 22 of his 67 games at the helm - a career-worst win percentage of 46.27%.
By contrast, the three-time Champions League-winning manager won 89 of his 119 games during his first spell at Real Madrid for a career-high 74.8% win percentage.
Barney Corkhill
