Josh King has claimed Carlo Ancelotti ‘lied’ about his Everton prospects.
King arrived at Goodison Park as a January deadline day signing but failed to make a single start in his 11 outings during the second half of last season.
The Norway international cited Ancelotti as a key factor in his decision to join the Blues on a short-term deal after a six-year spell with Bournemouth.
But after leaving Merseyside this summer, King has lifted the lid on his limited game time under the Italian, who defected to Real Madrid earlier this month.
In an interview with newspaper Dagsbladet in his homeland, the 29-year-old believes that he had been misled by Ancelotti about his first-team chances.
He said: “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. 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.”
“I do not regret that I went to Everton,” added King.
“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.”