Ancelotti reveals conversation with Everton star as exit confirmed

Carlo Ancelotti Everton TEAMtalk

Everton boss Carlo Ancelotti says Morgan Schneiderlin’s desire to return to his native France was behind the midfielder’s move to Nice.

The France international has left Goodison Park for an undisclosed fee to end a three-and-a-half year stay on Merseyside.

Schneiderlin made 88 appearances for the Toffees, scoring one goal, but injuries hampered his spell with the Toffees.

Indeed, he underwent knee surgery in February after starting 12 Premier League games this season.

Ancelotti said he is happy with Schneiderlin’s performances, with the Italian taking over as manager in December.

However, the player was keen to return to his homeland 12 months before his contract was due to expire.

“I can talk about the period he spent with me and I think it was a good period,” Ancelotti said.

“He had injuries but in the time he played, he played well. Everyone in the club is happy for what he did as a professional here and everyone wants to wish him the best.

“He had the desire to go back to France and we let him, he had the possibility to go there, so we wish him all the best for the future.”

Nice, managed by former Arsenal midfielder Patrick Vieira, finished fifth in the 2019-20 Ligue 1 season.

Authorities brought the French top flight to a premature end in April amid the coronavirus pandemic.

EVERTON LOOKING FOR A EUROPEAN SPOT

Carlo Ancelotti Everton TEAMtalk

Ancelotti takes his side to Norwich on Wednesday, looking for a win following Sunday’s draw with Liverpool.

Everton are eight points behind fifth-placed Manchester United, but Ancelotti still believes European football is a realistic target.

“Our target is to do all we can to try to play in Europe next season,” the Italian said. “It will not be easy, there are teams above us, but we have to fight for this important goal for us for next season.”

Norwich won 2-0 at Goodison Park in November – a game before Ancelotti’s time at the club.

“We can try to get revenge for this defeat,” he said. “It will be difficult, I know. I want the players to understand they need to play a fantastic game.

“Norwich are in a difficult position and they have a change against us to get points for their relegation battle.”

morgan schneiderlin