Soccer–Benzema’s Real Exit ‘Surprise to Everyone’, Says Ancelotti

Soccer–Benzema’s Real Exit ‘Surprise to Everyone’, Says Ancelotti
Real Madrid players throw Karim Benzema in the air after their match versus Athletic Bilbao at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid on June 4, 2023 REUTERS/Juan Medina
|Updated:

Karim Benzema’s decision to leave Real Madrid after 14 trophy-laden years was a surprise, manager Carlo Ancelotti said, but insisted that the Ballon d'Or winner has earned the right to choose.

The 35-year-old striker will exit Real as a free agent in the close season, with the Frenchman linked with a big-money move to Saudi Arabian side Al Ittihad.