Carlo Ancelotti’s beautiful friendship with Everton fan battling motor neurone disease

Carlo and Mark have developed a heartwarming friendship.

You'd struggle to find anyone, anywhere who dislikes Carlo Ancelotti. The Everton boss is universally adored by players he has coached, and the fans of teams he has managed alike. Watching clips like this, it's not hard to see why. In recent weeks, Ancelotti has developed a heartwarming friendship with Everton fan Mark, who is suffering from motor neurone disease, surprising him with video calls and just having a friendly chat. Speaking to BBC Breakfast, Mark said: "Normally you would think your friends are having a laugh with you, but it was quite apparent immediately that it was Carlo Ancelotti. "After his initially rang me, I sent him a bottle of wine to thank him. But then he rang back, completely unscripted. "It helps because it lifts your spirit." Ancelotti also spoke to BBC Breakfast, telling them he has "a good friendship" with Mark.

"For me it's a pleasure to talk to him because it's the only way I can stay in contact with our Evertonian fans," Ancelotti explained. "All the time we spent together, it was a funny time," he added.

Mark described their regular chats as "like two people who've known each other all their lives talking about football." "The moment Everton got a whiff of something, they came and stood by me." https://twitter.com/BBCBreakfast/status/1355506046882598918?s=20

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