After 14 seasons at Real Madrid, Karim Benzema played his last match with the merengue club this Sunday against Athletic Bilbao (1-1), where he scored from the penalty spot. At a press conference, Carlo Ancelotti said he learned of his striker’s decision the same morning.
For Carlo Ancelotti, Karim Benzema’s decision was “a surprise”. This Sunday, Real Madrid announced the departure of the Golden Ball at the end of the season and consequently the Frenchman played his last match with the merengue club against Athletic Bilbao (1-1).
“You just have to thank him for what he has achieved for this club”
Karim Benzema was taken off in the 73rd minute, moments after scoring his 354th goal from the penalty spot with a club he joined in 2009 from OL. “It was a surprise for all of us (…) He came to see me this (Sunday) morning to tell me that he had made this decision and I replied to him that I respected this decision”, declared Ancelotti in conference Press;
“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, he will go down in the history of this club. continued the Italian technician. 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 cannot be happy that he is leaving us, but we We have to respect his decision.”
At 35, Karim Benzema was entering his last month of contract at Real Madrid, where he won 25 trophies, including five Champions League. The French striker is now expected to join Saudi Arabia and club Al-Ittihad, as reported by state TV channel Al-Ekhbanya. A “record” two-season contract awaits “KB9”.