Josh King accuses Carlo Ancelotti of ‘lying’ to persuade him to join Everton

Josh King accuses Carlo Ancelotti of ‘lying’ to persuade him to join Everton and free agent admits he had ‘no relationship’ with former boss during short stint at Goodison Park

  • Josh King joined Everton on short deal in February after contract ran down 
  • He had scored 53 goals for Bournemouth before leaving for Goodison Park
  • Norwegian struggled for opportunities with Toffees and hit out at Carlo Ancelotti
  • He believes former manager lied to him but insists he has no regrets  


Josh King has accused Carlo Ancelotti of lying to persuade him to join Everton

The Norwegian signed a short-term deal at Goodison Park back in February with his contract at Bournemouth running down. 

He anticipated far more game time but was only handed 11 appearances as a substitute under Ancelotti, who has since abandoned ship to join Real Madrid

Josh King (right) was not trusted to start a single Premier League game after joining Everton

The Norwegian striker believes he was lied to by former manager Carlo Ancelotti

The Norwegian striker believes he was lied to by former manager Carlo Ancelotti 

When asked if he felt lied to in initial discussions with Ancelotti, the 29-year-old told Dagbladet: ‘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 scored 53 times for Bournemouth, 48 of which were in the Premier League and believed he would have greater opportunities to shine on Merseyside. 

King is currently a free agent after the expiration of his short term deal with Everton

King is currently a free agent after the expiration of his short term deal with Everton

But he struggled to earn the trust of the manager and is now a free agent this summer. 

He 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.’

Everton are still without a manager although ex-Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez is currently the front-runner despite vocal opposition from fans on the blue half of the city.  

King excelled for Bournemouth before leaving the Cherries to join Everton in February

King excelled for Bournemouth before leaving the Cherries to join Everton in February