Carlo Ancelotti has left Everton to become head coach of Real Madrid for a second time.

The 61-year-old, who managed Real Madrid for two years between 2013 and 2015, has left Everton after 18 months in charge at Goodison Park.

He succeeds Zinedine Zidane at Real and the move leaves Everton searching for a sixth permanent manager in five years.

Ancelotti has signed a three-year deal at Real and said the move represented "an unexpected opportunity".

"I have complete respect for everyone associated with Everton and hope they can achieve the exciting opportunities they have in front of them," he added.

"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."

Real will present Ancelotti to the media on Wednesday, while Everton said they "will begin the process of appointing a new manager immediately".

Ancelotti guided Everton to a 10th-placed finish during his only full season in charge having finished 12th in the prior campaign.

The Italian has won 15 major trophies during his career and is one of only three managers to win three European Cups - along with Liverpool legend Bob Paisley and former Real boss Zidane.

He has domestic titles with Milan in his homeland, Chelsea in England, Paris St-Germain in France and also in Germany with Bayern Munich.

Having previously won the Champions League twice with AC Milan he guided Real Madrid to a landmark 10th success in the competition in 2014 but departed as manager a year later.

Real won the Champions League three times under Zidane but ended the 2020-21 campaign without a trophy having finished second in La Liga behind city rivals Atletico Madrid.