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'He lied to me' - King hits out at Ancelotti following forgettable stint at Everton
The Norwegian forward joined the Toffees on a short-term deal in February but found regular game time hard to come by
Josh King has accused Carlo Ancelotti of lying to him when making a move to Everton in February 2021, with the new Real Madrid boss giving a Norwegian striker few opportunities at Goodison Park.
A short-term deal with the Toffees was agreed by a 29-year-old forward as his contract ran down at Bournemouth.
Having netted 53 goals for the Cherries, with 48 of those recorded in the Premier League, King was expected to thrive on Merseyside, but he took in just 11 substitute appearances under Ancelotti.
What has been said?
Asked by Dagbladet whether an Italian coach had lied to him when talking up a switch to Everton, King said: "Yes I do [believe Ancelotti lied].
"That's how the football world is. This is how it is when you get to the top of the real world. That's the way it is. But no, I do not regret that I went there.
"But yes, he lied to me. But again, there are not many honest people who work in football. Except for the players, then. I had no relationship with Ancelotti.
"The gut feeling said Everton when their offer came on the table. But I had never thought that in 18 games I would not be allowed to start one."
King, who is now a free agent, added: "I do not regret that I went to Everton.
"I did not get the chance, not a single start. Had I got a start and not performed, I would have understood it.
"I had another offer that gave much more security, but was told that I would get to play and that I would get the chance at Everton. But it was not delivered, so then I feel that was not the intention, just.
"Do not trust coaches who promise you things and say you will get the chance, that you will start."
The bigger picture
King is now without a club, but has been linked with teams across Europe.
Ancelotti, meanwhile, has departed Goodison Park to take in a second spell with La Liga giants Real Madrid.
The Toffees are yet to appoint a replacement, with several names said to be in the running.
Ex-Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez appears to be leading the race despite objections from Everton fans to the appointment of a Spaniard that boasts strong ties to their fiercest rivals.
