Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti is a living legend, and he has a great sense of humor. The Italian won his fourth Champions League on Saturday night at the Stade de France, leading Los Blancos to a 1-0 win over Liverpool.
Going into the game, there was a bit of a thread about facing Liverpool going back to his days with Everton. He had the Toffees in the top half of the table and competing for European football at one point, which is a team that was flirting with relegation at one point this season.
So Ancelotti’s great work at Everton was definitely appreciated, though fans may have been sad to see him abruptly leave and actually call Real Madrid and ask to join them. (But who could blame him?)
If Everton fans did, though, they surely cannot now. Not after Ancelotti defeated their arch rivals Liverpool in the Champions League Final!
Carlo Ancelotti says Everton fans will be happier
Here is what Carlo cheekily said about that in the press conference after the game, via Madrid Xtra:
"“I think Everton fans will be a little more happy I left now. I still follow them.”"
Let me just say, too, that it is touching for Carlo Ancelotti to say that he still follows them. He has coached so many historic clubs over the years like Milan, PSG, Bayern Munich, Napoli, Real Madrid, and Everton. And yes, though the Toffees have fallen on hard times lately, they are absolutely a historic club that should be respected.
Ancelotti is a likable manager. Everyone in world football respects him and his accomplishments. Even beyond the amazing Champions League record, he is the only manager to have won every top five European League. And while he did not win the league at Everton, he took them far beyond what his contemporaries did. Rafael Benitez, anyone? (Real Madrid fans and Everton fans can both share a love for Carlo and a disdain for Rafa).
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As for James Rodriguez, hopefully he learned his lesson about rooting in Liverpool’s favor over his former clubs Real and Everton. More people should be like Carletto and honor their past clubs.