Veteran striker Karim Benzema announced his resignation from the Spanish club, and Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has revealed it came as a shock.
Hours before Benzema scored his final goal in Real’s season-ending match against Athletic Bilbao on Sunday night, the Spanish giants confirmed the striker’s departure.
With 354 goals in 648 games, it brought Real’s most decorated player to second place just behind Cristiano Ronaldo on the club’s all-time scoring list.
At a news conference, Ancelotti stated: “His departure was a surprise for everyone, but you have to understand it. It was a last-minute decision.
“Yesterday he trained normally and today he made this decision.
“We understand it. I spoke to him this morning and he said that he was leaving and I understood it. He has done very well with me in these four years and also at the club. For that all my thanks.
Real Madrid say goodbye to Karim Benzema š¤ pic.twitter.com/JRciWRBstH
ā GOAL (@goal) June 4, 2023
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“He has thought it through and his decision is part of the transition of this club, which continues and will continue next year. We have time to think about what we have to do. We will have a competitive squad next year.
“I am sending him off knowing that I have coached one of the best players in the world and one of the best forwards. He is a very kind, humble and serious person.
“We cannot be happy about his farewell, but we have to respect his decision. He has won the right to choose. And we all thank him for what he has been able to do at this club.
“It has been legendary, something unforgettable, and it will remain forever in the memory of this club.”
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