Several years ago, Carlo Ancelotti was asked a question. How many Champions Leagues can you win, Carlo? No, it wasn't that. Will you go down as one of the greatest, Carlo? It wasn't that either.
Instead, the illustrious Italian manager was asked: "Why have you decided to release Luke Garbutt?"
It feels like a parallel universe, doesn't it? In classic fashion, Ancelotti raised an eyebrow before replying "who?" It really was press conference cinema.
At the time, he was managing Everton, a moment in his rather incredible career that will probably fall towards the bottom of his achievements. No disrespect to the Toffees, but it does defy belief that they were able to entice him to Goodison Park.
In the four years since that remarkable moment, Ancelotti has cemented himself as one of the greatest tacticians to have ever lived.
On a brisk Sunday evening at the beginning of June, he took home a fifth Champions League trophy and his second since leaving Merseyside behind, cementing Real Madrid's legacy even further.
This time it was achieved under the famous arch at Wembley Stadium. Madrid took longer than they had hoped to break the deadlock, but after Dani Carvajal headed home, it all began to feel rather inevitable.
Vinicius Junior soon scored to make it 2-0. "Ballon d'Or, Ballon d'Or," Rio Ferdinand shouted. Quite. The Brazilian should well be in the conversation.
Ballon d'Or 2024: The 10 favourites to win the men's award
The nominees have been announced, but who are the favourites to win the men’s Ballon d’Or in 2024?
England's 10 best managers of all time – ranked
How does Gareth Southgate rank among previous England bosses?
ByBen BrowningJul 17, 2024
