CARLO ANCELOTTI has returned to Real Madrid to become the club’s new manager for the second time in his career.

He succeeds Zinedine Zidane at the helm of the club, after the former Real player left as manager for the second time last week.

Ancelotti previously managed Real Madrid for two years between 2013 and 2015, winning the Champions League and the Spanish Cup during the stint.

The Italian manager left his position as manager at Premier League side Everton to rejoin the Spanish giant. After the news of his departure broke, he took to Twitter to thank the club Tuesday.

“I would like to thank Everton FC, my players and the supporters for giving me the opportunity to manage this fantastic and historical club,” he said.

A former Italy international player, Ancelotti has consistently been a trophy winner during his illustrious playing and management career and is one of only three managers to win three Champions Leagues.

The 61-year-old has previously managed European superpowers AC Milan, Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich, winning trophies at all those clubs.

During his time in Madrid with Real, he helped the club to its long-awaited 10th Champions League title in 2014, beating city rival Atletico in the final.

He left just a year later, but returns in 2021 on a three-year deal after Real’s first season in 11 years without lifting a trophy.

Meanwhile, Zidane posted an open letter on his Instagram on Tuesday, criticizing Real Madrid president Florentino Perez in a rare move.

“I’m leaving, but I’m not abandoning ship, and I’m not tired of coaching,” Zidane said. “In May 2018, I left because after two-and-a-half years, with so many victories and so many trophies, I felt that the team needed something new to stay on top. Today things are different. I’m leaving because I feel the club is no longer giving me the trust I need.” (SD-Agencies)