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Karim Benzema's decision to quit Real Madrid after 14 years was allegedly made in a "last-minute" surprise on the final day of the LaLiga season, according to Carlo Ancelotti, the manager of Real Madrid.
Hours before Benzema scored his farewell goal in Real's season-ending match against Athletic Bilbao on Sunday night, a penalty equalizer in a 1-1 draw, the Spanish club announced the striker's departure.
The club's website announced the 35-year-old's resignation on Sunday, June 4. The statement described the striker as a "fundamental player in this golden age of our history" and one of the team's "greatest legends."
After 14 years of excellent service, Madrid has recognised that Benzema has earned the right to depart on his own terms. However, as coach Carlo Ancelotti stated, the club "cannot be happy" about the timing of the French forward's "surprise" departure. Real had plenty of time to identify a replacement at No. 9 because they fully anticipated Benzema would agree to a one-year deal.
At a press conference, Ancelotti said: "Everyone was surprised by his departing, but you have to understand it. It was an impulsive choice. He trained normally yesterday, and today he made his decision.
"We understand it. He informed me that he was leaving when we spoke this morning, and I accepted his explanation. In these four years, both with me and at the club, he has performed admirably. All of me is grateful for that.
"He has carefully considered his options, and his choice fits into the club's ongoing transition, which will continue into the following season. We have time to consider what has to be done. Next year, we'll have a strong team.
"I am sending him off knowing that I have trained one of the best players and forwards in the world. He is a very thoughtful, modest, and serious man.
"While we cannot be happy about his decision, we must respect it. We all congratulate him on winning the opportunity to decide, and we are grateful for all he has accomplished at the club. It was extraordinary, something that will live on forever in this club's memories."
A move to Saudi Arabian team Al-Ittihad has been rumored for Benzema, the Ballon d'Or winner and current UEFA player of the year, who joined Real from Lyon in July 2009 for a reputed sum of 35 million euros.
During his career in Madrid, the former France international scored 323 goals in 601 appearances for Real Madrid, making him the club's second-highest goalscorer of all time.
He is fifth on Real's all-time appearance list, and in Spain, he has won four LaLiga championships, three Copa del Rey titles, five Champions Leagues, five Club World Cups, four European Super Cups, and five Spanish Super Cups.
Florentino Perez is left to pick up the pieces after he sabotaged those ambitions. Madrid lost a legend as he is widely considered to be one of the best strikers in the world, and it will be nearly hard to replace him for less than €100 million.
