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Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti returned to his homeland recently to receive his honorary doctorate at the University of Parma.
The Italian tactician was awarded the title of Doctor Honoris Causa in Sciences and Techniques of Preventive and Adapted Motor Activities, as per Vanguardngr.com. An excerpt from his speech at the ceremony read:
"I receive this degree, and some will say that I have taken few exams. In reality I have taken many and every three days I take more.
"Exams in which I am judged, which is why I have to prepare. When they call me doctor I like it, I will say to my players ‘you can call me doctor."
Over the last three decades, Ancelotti has earned the reputation of being one of football's finest coaches. He has coached the likes of European giants AC Milan, Chelsea, Bayern Munich, Juventus, Napoli and Real Madrid.
The 64-year-old has won 25 trophies, including four UEFA Champions League titles. He has also won league titles in Spain, Italy, Germany, England and France.
After the news of 'Don Carlo' receiving his honorary doctorate broke, one fan joked:
"Don Carlo is now Doc Carlo"
Here're some more handpicked reactions from fans on X (formerly Twitter):
Ancelotti re-joined Real Madrid as their head coach in 2021, with his deal expiring next year.
Parma university rector drops major hint on Carlo Ancelotti's Real Madrid future
The rector of Parma University, Paolo Andrei, seemingly confirmed Carlo Ancelotti's Real Madrid exit in 2024.
The Italian tactician is widely believed to be Brazil's next permanent coach, starting from the 2024 Copa America tournament. Brazil's president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Brazilian FA president Ednaldo Rodrigues have both publicly addressed Ancelotti's potential arrival in Brazil's dugout.
However, there hasn't been much talk about the topic since July this year. Andrei's comments, though, give the impression that Ancelotti's move to the South American giants is still on track.
At the former Chelsea coach's ceremony at the University of Parma, Andrei said (via Vanguardngr.com):
"In 2024, Carlo Ancelotti awaits an extraordinary adventure that for many coaches would be just a dream: the bench of Brazil.
"He is the first foreigner in the last sixty years to lead the team and only the fourth in its history. The admiration we feel for him is widespread and goes beyond any boundary or square."
Brazil haven't had a permanent manager from a foreign country since 1925. The two foreigners who managed them in the last century, Joreca and Filipo Nunez, were guest managers.
