Carlo Ancelotti's ex-wife of 25 years  Luisa Gibellini dies aged 63

Carlo Ancelotti is grieving the loss of his ex-wife Luisa Gibellini, who died on Monday at the age of 63 following a long illness.

The Everton manager, 61, was with Luisa for 25 years of marriage and they were childhood sweethearts.

He flew back to Italy on Sunday evening after hearing news that her condition had deteriorated in the preceding hours.

Luisa was mother to their son Davide, who works under his father as Everton assistant, and daughter Katia.

She was sport-obsessed, particularly interested in football, softball and tennis and also qualified as a helicopter pilot in 1999.

Luisa used to fly her husband back home after Parma matches when he was in charge of the Serie A club.

Ancelotti has since married Canadian businesswoman Mariann Barrena McClay and they tied the knot in Vancouver in 2014.

The veteran manager led Everton to a tenth-placed finish this season and they rounded off the campaign with a 5-0 thumping at the hands of Manchester City.

He is one of the most successful bosses of all time with 20 trophies in total from 26 years in management, four of the major five European leagues and three Champions League trophies.

Ancelotti will no doubt be taking time to grieve with his family in Italy before returning to Merseyside.