Carlo Ancelotti has spoken about the departure of Karim Benzema from Real Madrid.
Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid conceded a draw against Athletic Bilbao (1-1) this Sunday at the Santiago Bernabeu as part of the 38th and final day of La Liga. For his last appearance in the jersey of the merengue club, after the formalization of his departure at the end of the season, Karim Benzema scored from the penalty spot, before giving himself a well-deserved ovation.
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Present at a press conference after the game, Carlo Ancelotti spoke about the departure of Karim Benzema: “Having coached one of the best players in the world, not just as a striker, but as a complete, kind, humble and serious footballer… We can’t be happy with his decision, but we have to respect it. I can only thank him for what he has done at this club. Legendary”.
Ancelotti surprised but understanding
In words translated by Real-Francethe Italian technician from Real Madrid then explained that he was surprised by the decision of the 35-year-old French striker, while understanding it: “Yes, it was a surprise. But you have to understand it. His decision is part of his personal process. (…) It was done at the last minute. Yesterday he trained normally and this morning he told us. There is nothing to add, we understand”.
14 seasons, 648 matches, 354 goals and 25 trophies later, Karim Benzema, second top scorer in the history of Real Madrid, behind Cristiano Ronaldo but ahead of Raul and Alfredo Di Stefano, is therefore leaving the Spanish capital. The former OL player should now go to Saudi Arabia.
