Ancelotti: “Benzema has been a legendary, unforgettable figure, and he'll remain forever in the memory of this club" | OneFootball

Carlo Ancelotti spoke in the press room at the Santiago Bernabéu after the Real Madrid-Athletic Club clash on the final matchday of the LaLiga campaign. The coach spoke about the departure of Benzema: "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."

"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."

Tribute to Benzema "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."

What was missing this season? "We lacked competitiveness in the league. We had a stronger squad than last season, but we lacked consistency. It has been a very demanding season with the Spanish Super Cup in January, the Club World Cup in February, the fight for the league title. All this has cost us points in the league. The season has been good and I'm convinced that next year will be better. Now we'll come back on 10 July with even more motivation, enthusiasm and desire."

Asensio’s departure "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." Hazard and Mariano "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."

Signings "It's apparent that today four forwards like Eden, Mariano, Asensio and Benzema are leaving. That's where we have to act and we're going to do so calmly. We have time to do it calmly. We're looking for a striker who can score goals and link up well with the others. The profile of a striker bearing in mind that we have two youngsters up front who are starting to take more of a leading role. Vini Jr. from last year and Rodrygo has progressed more this year. He'll be a forward who plays great football like Asensio or Karim."

Only two forwards in the squad "At the moment we only have two forwards, but I'm not worried at all because we have all the time we need to sort it out. You win games with and without forwards. Forwards are more likely to score, but it makes a difference when a team plays solidly, compactly, with effort and as a team."

What will you be thinking about from tomorrow? "Tomorrow I'll be thinking that I need a rest. It's been a very long season because motivating and preparing a team every three days is very challenging. I don't sleep well on the day of the game and it's been a very long season. The club is in good hands and we've already talked about what needs to be done.”

Bellingham "This question couldn't be left out. I'm not talking about players who aren't here, but this is the last press conference of the season and I want to thank you for your patience. We had a good time and we didn't have any trouble. That's a good thing and ultimately, it's about respecting each other. I respect your work and you respect mine. That's the way to go on. See you at the next press conference."