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Xtra Time Web Desk: Real Madrid on Wednesday officially announced the signing of Carlo Ancelotti as the coach for next three seasons. The 61 year old gaffer returned to the Barnebeu for his second spell. He will replace Zinedine Zidane. The Italian was previously in charge of Real between 2013 and 2015, and replaces Zinedine Zidane, who left the La Liga club last month.

"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 said in a statement on the Everton website.  Real Madrid tweeted a picture of Ancelotti with club President Florentino Perez.

Ancelotti is regarded as one of the most accomplished coaches in European club football. He won the Champions League with Real in 2014, helping the Spaniards to their fabled 'Decima' (10th) European crown, before being sacked 12 months later.

Ancelotti is one of three coaches, along with former Liverpool manager Bob Paisley and Zidane, to have won the European Cup or Champions League on three occasions, having also led AC Milan to glory in 2003 and 2007.

He has also won league titles in four different countries at Milan, Chelsea, Paris St Germain and Bayern Munich over a 26-year managerial career.