2023-06-06 10:36:04
He says he didn’t expect it. Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti admitted that Karim Benzema’s decision, made official on Sunday at midday to leave the Madrid club after 14 years, had been “a surprise for all of us”, while ensuring that he respected the decision “of ‘one of the best players in the world’.
“It was a surprise to all of us. He came to see me this (Sunday) morning to tell me that he had made this decision and I replied that I respected this decision, “said Ancelotti at a press conference after his team’s draw (1-1) against to Athletic Bilbao for the last match of “KB9” in the Madrid jersey. A match where the French striker scored his last goal with Real Madrid, on a penalty.
“We have to thank him for what he has accomplished for this club”
“He has earned the right to decide what he wants to do, you just have to thank him for everything he has done for this club. It’s legendary, unforgettable, it will remain in the history of this club, ”continued the Italian technician to pay tribute to him, like many teammates of the person concerned earlier in the day.
“I am aware of having managed one of the best players in the world, a complete player, a good person, very humble, very serious. We can’t be happy that he is leaving us, but we have to respect his decision,” concluded Ancelotti. Benzema, 35, was coming to the end of his contract with Real Madrid, a club with which he won 25 trophies, including five Champions League.
The Ballon d’Or 2022 is actively coveted by a Saudi club, Al-Ittihad. According to the state television channel Al-Ekhbariya, the latter has reached an “official” agreement to sign him to a “record” two-season contract.
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