Ancelotti is surprised by Benzema's announcement to leave Madrid.

 Ancelotti is surprised by Benzema's announcement to leave Madrid.

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti interacts with Karim Benzema of Real Madrid during the UEFA Champions League quarterfinal second leg match between Chelsea FC and Real Madrid at Stamford Bridge on April 18, 2023 in London, United Kingdom.(Getty)

Karim Benzema's departure from Real Madrid was known a few days ago. Yesterday, before the last match of the season, Real officially announced it. Ancelotti was surprised by Benzema's decision to leave. Yesterday, at Santiago Bernabeu, Real Madrid faced Athletic Bilbao in La Liga. It was Benzema's last match wearing the Real jersey. The French forward's Madrid chapter ended with a 1-1 draw. Benzema scored a goal from a penalty in the 72nd minute of the match. His departure from Madrid has surprised Ancelotti. However, last week, the sports website "The Athletic" reported that Real coach Carlo Ancelotti had a meeting with Benzema on Wednesday and discussed his departure from Real. The French forward had received advice from Ancelotti before to retire from Real. At the end of yesterday's match, Real coach said, "Certainly, it was surprising that Benzema left. It was surprising to everyone. But we all have to understand that it was necessary for him to think about it twice. It's part of a process that started at the club a few years ago. This process will continue for the next few years."

In 2009, Benzema joined Real Madrid for £30 million. As a Spanish giant, he scored 354 goals in 648 matches for Los Blancos. He provided 165 assists. In the last season, he scored 44 goals and helped Real win La Liga, the Champions League, and the Super Cup. He has won a total of 25 trophies with Real, the most in the club's history. And in December, on his 35th birthday, Benzema retired from the French national team.

After his time in Madrid, Benzema's next destination is likely to be Saudi Arabia. The sports website ESPN has reported that the Saudi club Al-Ittihad has offered him a two-year contract worth 40 million euros. Not only Benzema, but there is also a buzz about Lionel Messi and several other star footballers going to Saudi Arabia.