Back to the Everton Newsfeed

Tearful Carlo Ancelotti remembers old friend and 'the best player he ever played against' Diego Maradona before Everton's clash with Leeds

There has been an outpouring of grief following the death of Diego Maradona on Wednesday and Carlo Ancelotti is one of those who holds fond memories of the Argentinian genius.

The tearful Everton manager bowed his head before being overcome with emotion towards the end of the minute's applause before his side's match against Leeds United on Saturday evening.

Ancelotti was an eye-catching midfielder at Roma when Maradona arrived at Napoli in 1984 following a two-year spell with Barcelona.

A tearful Carlo Ancelotti remembers his old friend Diego Maradona during a minute's applause
The Italian kissed his glove in prayer to honour a player who was always fiercely competitive

Roma had just missed out on the title that year, while Napoli clung on to their Serie A status after finishing the season just a point above the relegation zone.