Four-time Champions League winner Carlo Ancelotti donned a cap and woolen gown as he was presented with an honorary doctorate from the University of Parma.
He received an Honorary Master’s Degree in Preventive and Adaptive Physical Activity Sciences and Techniques in his 44th year in the beautiful game.
At the ceremony held today, he delivered a speech entitled: “Football, the way of life”.
Ancelotti, 64, took the title alongside former Milan coach Arrigo Sacchi and Ariedo Braida.
He received a standing ovation as he thanked his family and friends.
Now, the stars of Real Madrid will have to call him “Doctor Ancelotti” and not “boss”.
“Sport has been a great school of my life. Some may say that I have done little tests, little practice. In reality, I have done a lot and every three days I do tests (matches). I can tell my players that ‘you can call me doctor now’. The strength of football is not in the individual strength, but in the group”, declared the former coach of Juventus, Milan, Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich, Napoli and Everton.
“This is not a job, it is more of a passion, which enabled me to dedicate myself to football for 44 years and which you cannot buy in the market. The unpredictability of this sport gives me a strong passion. It never represents sacrifice or work. Even today I feel like I was 15 years old. If you don’t have passion, you can’t show 100 percent of yourself”, concluded “DonCarlo”.
