‘It was a surprise’: Carlo Ancelotti reveals he was taken aback by Karim Benzema’s decision to leave Real Madrid this summer – and insists the club has ‘begun a transition’ as they hunt for a new star striker
Carlo Ancelotti said he was surprised to see Karim Benzema leave Real Madrid at this time.
The long-serving player announced his exit from the club on Sunday, with rumours of a big-money move to Saudi Arabia widely touted.
The French striker scored a penalty in his last game for Real Madrid, before receiving a rapturous standing ovation when he was substituted off.
The match at the Berbabeu finished 1-1, with Atletic Bilbao holding the hosts to a draw despite Benzema’s 354th goal for Real Madrid.
Real Madrid manager Ancelotti said he was shocked with Benzema’s exit from the club.
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti said he was surprised to see Karim Benzema exit the club
The French striker is expected to sign a big-money contract to play for Saudi side Al-Ittihad
Benzema was given a great send-off by the home fans in his final appearance at the Bernabeu
He said: ‘It was a surprise, he thought it through. His decision is part of a process for this club that has begun to make a transition, we have time to think about what we are going to do.’
Ancelotti also revealed that they were only informed of Benzema’s decision on Sunday morning, after an early training session ahead of the afternoon kick-off – but that they would now begin the hunt for a replacement striker.
Benzema’s 31st goal of the season was not enough to stop Real Madrid from falling to third in the LaLiga table, as Atletico Madrid leapfrogged them on the final day.
The Ballon d’Or winner is reportedly set to join Saudi Arabian side Al-Ittihad on a two-year deal worth around £345m. The club recently won the Saudi Pro League under the helm of Nuno Espirito Santo.
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