Ream Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has opened up about the departure of star striker Karim Benzema.
The French striker will leave Madrid after 14 years at the Santiago Bernabéu.
“I bid him farewell in the knowledge that I’ve coached one of the greatest players in the world and one of the best strikers. He’s a very kind, humble and earnest person. We can’t be pleased about his departure, but we have to respect his decision. He’s earned the right to choose and we all thank him for everything he’s done for this club. He’s been a legendary, unforgettable figure, and he’ll remain forever in the memory of this club,” said Ancelotti.
“His departure has come as a surprise to everyone, but it has to be understood. It was a last minute decision. Yesterday he trained normally and today he’s taken this decision. We have accepted it. I spoke to him this morning and he said he was leaving and I understood. He’s done so well with me in these four years and also at the club. That’s why I want to thank him. He’s thought it through and his decision forms part of the transition of this club, which continues and will continue next year. We have time to reflect on what we have to do. We’ll have a competitive squad next year,” he added.
“The club is going to prepare a celebration for him in the next few days and we have to take into account his personality, because he’s very shy. Today this was a response of such a character. He doesn’t like the spotlight. He preferred to say goodbye on the pitch and it was a farewell to a great player and a true legend.”
Ancelotti also commented on Marco Asensio, Nacho and Dani Ceballos who are also leaving Madrid.
“Asensio, Nacho and Ceballos, who were coming to the end of their contracts, had a very clear idea of their role at Real Madrid in the future. I’ve explained it to them very clearly and the club has made them an extension offer. Marco preferred a change of scenery and Nacho and Dani are assessing it. I think from the signs that both of them will stay.”
On Eden Hazard and Mariano Diaz: “I only had five changes and my objective was to win and finish second. Hazard and Mariano didn’t ask to come on and we gave them a good send-off. It was a different kind of farewell and I must clarify that they haven’t had the same limelight as the others, but they have been serious and professional right up to the last day. As professionals they’ve all the respect because they have conducted themselves well until the last day with the utmost professionalism.”
