Real Madrid coach bags honorary degree from University of Parma

Real Madrid head coach, Carlo Ancelotti was honoured with a degree by the University of Parma.

The 64-year-old Italian icon made a return to his home country, not for football-related purposes, but for academic engagements. He was bestowed with the title of Doctor Honoris Causa in Sciences and Techniques of Preventive and Adapted Motor Activities.

The event was attended by Ariggo Sacchi, his coach from 1987 to 1991, and Ariedo Braida, his former teammate during his playing days at Parma.

Expressing his joy at the ceremony, Ancelotti playfully mentioned that his players would now have to address him as “Doctor.”

His words: “I receive this degree and some will say that I have taken few exams. In reality I have taken many and every three days I take more. Exams in which I am judged, which is why I have to prepare. When they call me doctor I like it, I will say to my players ‘you can call me doctor’.”

Speaking further, he said, “You cannot train Diego Maradona to dribble better. That is genetic. What you can do with talented players is help them remember the importance of altruism. That is what differentiates a great player from a champion.

“Football helped me improve my relationship with others, learn respect for the rules, for your opponents and your teammates.

“Being a coach above all means knowing how to listen to others, your collaborators and players, then make your own decisions.

“I try to transmit my ideas via persuasion, not by forcing them upon others. I am calm, very patient, and above all I am fortunate to be supported by a great passion for this sport. It is a passion I had at the age of 15 and I still have today.”

The rector of the university, Paolo Andrei, appeared to have confirmed Ancelotti’s move to become the next Brazil national team coach.