Eder Militao has admitted that the squad was 'upset' about Karim Benzema's decision to leave Real Madrid this summer.
The 2022 Ballon d'Or winner was widely expected to sign a contract extension ahead of the expiration of his deal at the Santiago Bernabeu at the end of the 2022/23 season, however Benzema shocked the footballing world by instead opting to join Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Ittihad.
Benzema signed a three-year deal at the Saudi Arabian side, putting pen to paper on a deal believed to be worth the equivalent of just shy of £172m a year - a figure over £150m more than his previous salary at Los Blancos during the 2022/23 campaign.
Since losing their star striker, Real Madrid have been linked with a myriad of strikers including Lautaro Martinez and Harry Kane, and are keen to fill the huge void left at the tip of their starting XI.
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Speaking to the press (via Madrid Xtra), Los Blancos defender Militao commented on the loss of Benzema, admitting that the squad was disappointing that he left.
"Benzema? Of course we were upset that he left. For me, he’s the best number nine in the world. But life goes on, we now have to structure ourselves again," the centre-back said.
The defender also hinted that the club already have a new leader in attack, hailing club and international teammate as the best footballer in the world: "For me, Vinicius is the best player in the world."
Militao and Real Madrid kick-off their pre-season campaign on 24 July against AC Milan at the famous Rose Bowl stadium in Pasadena, California.
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This article was originally published on 90min as Eder Militao bemoans Real Madrid's loss of Karim Benzema.