Carlo Ancelotti has admitted to being surprised by Karim Benzema's decision to leave Real Madrid at the end of the season.
The 35-year-old will depart for Saudi Arabia after 14 years at the Santiago Bernabeu following a whirlwind 48 hours of confusion about his future.
90min revealed on Thursday that Benzema had informed Real Madrid he'd be leaving at the end of the season, only for the Frenchman to perform a U-turn after holding further talks with club president Florentino Perez.
Real Madrid then announced on Sunday morning that Benzema would be leaving the club after all, with his final outing coming during the 1-1 draw with Athletic Club on the final day of the La Liga season.
Benzema departs the Spanish capital as one of the most decorated players of all-time and his exit will be felt strongly by manager Ancelotti and his teammates.
Indeed, the Italian admitted that losing Benzema is not only a huge blow for Real Madrid but also a surprise, leaving the club needing to sign a top quality striker who can lead the line, score goals and get involved in link-up play.
READ MORE ON KARIM BENZEMA'S EXIT FROM REAL MADRID
"I have trained one of the best in the world. Not only as a forward, as a complete footballer. He is a great person, kind, humble, serious," Ancelotti told reporters.
"We cannot be happy, but we must respect him. He earned the right to decide. He has done legendary, unforgettable things. It was a surprise, but it is part of a transition process. We have time to think about what we will do. I spoke to him [on Sunday] morning and he told me he was leaving. I showed him all my respect for everything he has done."
On how Real Madrid can replace Benzema, he added: "We want to sign a striker who scores goals, gets involved in play and adapts to our game. But games are not only won with forwards. We have two youngsters with a lot of prominence in Vinicius [Junior] and Rodrygo."
Sources have confirmed to 90min that Real Madrid will step up their pursuit of Tottenham's Harry Kane now that Benzema's exit has been confirmed, with Kai Havertz and Victor Osimhen also on the club's shortlist.
Kane, who scored 30 Premier League goals last season, has just one year remaining on his Tottenham contract and has a huge decision to make about his future following another disappointing season in north London.
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On this week's edition of Talking Transfers, part of the 90min podcast network, Scott Saunders is joined by Toby Cudworth and Graeme Bailey to discuss Harry Kane, Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham, Alexis Mac Allister, Karim Benzema, William Saliba & more!
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This article was originally published on 90min as Carlo Ancelotti reacts to Karim Benzema's shock Real Madrid exit.