Thursday evening, Karim Benzema denied the rumors that he would leave, three days later Benzema said goodbye to Real Madrid to loud applause. Trainer Carlo Ancelotti was also surprised by the departure of the 35-year-old attacker.
Ancelotti promises offensive reinforcement after ‘surprising departure’ Benzema
Benzema has been linked all week with a lucrative move to Al-Ittihad. Which has a million-dollar contract ready for the Ballon d’Or winner. However, it was not until Sunday afternoon that there was clarity about his future. Less than seven hours before the kick-off of the home game with Athletic Bilbao, Real only announced that Benzema’s stay at the Bernabéu would come to an end after fourteen years.
That also surprised Ancelotti. “His departure was a surprise to everyone, but you have to understand it,” the Italian coach said at the press conference afterwards on Sunday evening. “It was a last minute decision. Yesterday he just trained along and today he made the decision. He told me this morning and I understand. It is a well-considered decision, this is part of the transition of this club.
Ancelotti is grateful to have worked with Benzema for four years. He mentioned, “I wave him goodbye knowing that I coached one of the best players in the world. He is a very friendly, humble and serious person. We are not happy with his farewell, but we must respect his decision. It is his right to choose after all he has done for the club. That is legendary and unforgettable, he is part of history forever.”
Benzema also received that appreciation from Real supporters, who gave him a standing ovation when he received a crowd substitution from Ancelotti shortly after taking advantage of a penalty kick. The attacker, who came over from Olympique Lyon in 2009, leaves knowing that only Cristiano Ronaldo has scored more goals for Real in club history (450 to 354 goals) and with 25 trophies to his name, including five Champions Leagues.
Real would already have reserved the shirt with number 9 for Harry Kane
According to Marca, the departure of Benzema therefore marks the end of a ‘golden era’. The French club legend graces the front page of the Madrid sports newspaper on Monday. Which is also preparing for his succession. Real would already have reserved the shirt with number 9 for Harry Kane, who, according to various international media, is the most important candidate to fill the vacancy in the striker position.
Ancelotti did not want to confirm interest in Kane on Sunday, but made it clear that the club will enter the transfer market as Marco Asensio, Mariano Díaz and Eden Hazard leave this summer in addition to Benzema. “We have to act and we will be looking for a striker who scores goals and is good in the combination. We also have two young players with a lot of potential in Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo.
