Carlo Ancelotti reduced to tears during Diego Maradona tribute ahead of Everton’s Premier League clash with Leeds

It has been an emotional week for the football community following the unexpected death of one of the all time greats, Diego Maradona.

Tributes have flooded in from fans, teammates, former opponents and friends following the news the Argentine icon had died on Wednesday aged just 60.

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Carlo Ancelotti came up against the Argentina icon during his playing career and looked visibly emotional during the tribute to Maradona before Everton's clash with Leeds on Saturday.

The Toffees boss was moved to tears during the minute's silence in tribute to the World Cup winner as his image was flashed up on the Goodison screen.

Ancelotti faced Maradona several times during his playing career when AC Milan and Napoli were rivals

The Argentine enjoyed the most successful period of his career in Naples, winning two Serie A titles with the club.

Ancelotti later became friends with Maradona and saw first hand how much he was loved at Napoli when he bossed them.

Speaking ahead of Everton's game with Leeds, Ancelotti said: “He was my opponent and then he became my friend.

"He was very humble and it is a big loss for football, but the memories will always be there.

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"He was a fantastic player who helped football around the world. At this time he was the best player in the world, and the best player I ever played against.

“He was so difficult to stop and had unbelievable quality. He never complained on the pitch. I tried to stop him with strong contact but he never complained and after that we became good friends.

"We met at events after our playing careers were finished and it was always good to spend time with him.

"He was not only a footballer but a great example to show everywhere. But this is the life. I will always keep fantastic memories of him.”

The mayor of Naples declared a day of mourning following Maradona’s death, and the club's president confirmed to talkSPORT that the stadium will be renamed in his honour.

“Napoli loves Maradona,” said Ancelotti.

"With Maradona, they had the best period in the history of the club. They won the title and spent two or three years with him in heaven.

“Maradona brought the Napoli supporters to heaven.

“You cannot say who was the best, Maradona or Pele, but they are both legends. They helped football be more important in the world.”