Real Madrid News Latest: Ancelotti has asserted that Benzema’s departure came as a surprise to everyone
According to Carlo Ancelotti, Karim Benzema’s choice to depart from Real Madrid after a successful 14-year career was unexpected. However, Ancelotti emphasized that as a Ballon d’Or recipient, Benzema has the privilege to make his own decision.
The Frenchman, who is 35 years old and plays as a striker, will leave Real as a free agent during the upcoming season. He has been rumored to be considering a lucrative transfer to the Saudi Arabian team Al Ittihad.
“His departure has come as a surprise to everyone, but it has to be understood. It was a last-minute decision,” Ancelotti told reporters after Real’s clash against Athletic Bilbao.
“Yesterday, he trained normally, and today he’s taken this decision. We have accepted it. I spoke to him this morning, and he said he was leaving, and I understood.
“He’s thought it through and his decision forms part of the transition of this club, which continues and will continue next year. We have time to reflect on what we have to do. We’ll have a competitive squad next year.”
In his last LaLiga match at the Bernabeu, Benzema scored a penalty to guarantee a 1-1 tie against Bilbao. This secured their second place position in the standings, surpassing their local rivals Atletico Madrid.
Benzema, who transferred to Real from Olympique Lyonnais in 2009, took over as the leading striker and primary scorer for the team following Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure to Juventus in 2018.
Benzema has scored over 350 goals for Real Madrid, which places him in second place on the club’s list of all-time top scorers, just behind Ronaldo. He has ended his career with the Spanish team, having won a total of 25 trophies, including five European Cups, four LaLiga titles, and three Copas del Rey.
“I bid him farewell in the knowledge that I’ve coached one of the greatest players in the world and one of the best strikers,” Ancelotti said.”
“We can’t be pleased about his departure, but we have to respect his decision. He’s earned the right to choose, and we all thank him for everything he’s done for this club.”
“He’s been a legendary, unforgettable figure, and he’ll remain forever in the memory of this club.”
Real Madrid has also revealed that forward Eden Hazard, attacking midfielder Marco Asensio, and striker Mariano Diaz will be leaving the club, which will create gaps in the team’s offensive line that club president Florentino Perez will need to fill during the upcoming offseason.
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