Everton have confirmed the shock departure of manager Carlo Ancelotti after he agreed to take up the role of head coach at Real Madrid.
The Italian led the Toffees to tenth place in the Premier League in his first full season in charge and in February stated his desire to still be in charge at the club when they move to their new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock at the start of the 2024-25 season.
Ancelotti joined Everton on a four-and-a-half year contract in December 2019 and the club thanked him in a short statement released on the official website on Tuesday evening.
"Everton would like to place on record its thanks to Carlo for his service to the Club over the past 18 months," read the statement.
"The club will begin the process of appointing a new manager immediately and will provide updates in due course."
Everton manager Carlo Ancelotti celebrates with Seamus Coleman after the Premier League match at Anfield, Liverpool. Picture date: Saturday February 20, 2021.It will be Ancelotti's second spell in charge of Los Blancos whom he led to UEFA Champions League success in 2014 while he also won the Copa del Rey, the UEFA Super Cup and Club World Cup.
The 61-year-old Italian said that he made the decision to return to the Bernabeu with his family firmly in his thoughts.
"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," he said.
“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."
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