Carlo Ancelotti Claims Star Striker Was Sold Against His Will at Real Madrid in 2013

Bayern Munich manager Carlo Ancelotti has revealed that Gonzalo Higuain was sold against his will during his time in charge of Real Madrid in 2013.

The Argentine forward went on to move to Napoli for €40m, where he scored 71 goals in 104 league games including 36 in the 2015/16 season.

His incredible scoring record earned him an Italian-record transfer to champions Juventus, who paid a whopping €90m for the 28-year-old.

But all could have gone differently if Ancelotti managed to persuade him to stay in Madrid in 2013, but the Italian boss claims that he chose Napoli in order to play regular first-team football.

“I was unable to convince Higuain to stay in Madrid,” Ancelotti told Tuttosport, as quoted by “?Goal. “He wanted more regular games so he chose to move to Napoli.

Ancelotti: I wanted to keep Higuain at Real Madrid https://t.co/9vUFlyl239 pic.twitter.com/8se0Aae4QQ

“Gonzalo is the best centre forward around, together with [Barcelona’s Luis] Suarez and [Bayern Munich’s Robert] Lewandowski.”

Ancelotti now has Polish striker Robert Lewandowski at his disposal at Bayern Munich, a player who he describes as one of his side’s ‘key players’.

Carlo Ancelotti: “The price Juventus paid for Gonzalo Higuain is justified. He is the best striker along with Suarez and Lewandowski.” pic.twitter.com/IxQlEel8E8

“[Lewandowski] is a serious player,” he added. “He’s not the kind to make jokes, even though he has a great relationship within the dressing room.

“He’s doing really well, he’s impressive. He’s one of Bayern’s key players and I cannot see him moving to Italy.”

Bayern Munich are joint-top of the Bundesliga after 10 games, but they failed to extend their lead at the top last weekend as they fell to a 1-1 against third-placed Hoffenheim.