Karim Benzema disappointed with Zinedine Zidane’s departure as Real Madrid boss

Real Madrid’s talismanic striker Karim Benzema opens up on his disappointment regarding Zinedine Zidane’s departure from the club. The French forward claims Zidane to be the ‘perfect man’ for Los Blancos and highlighted how he has been supporting him and the other players throughout his stint.

Zidane guided Real Madrid to a second placed finish in the La Liga and reached the semifinals of the UEFA Champions League. These are exceptional achievements in an injury plagued season for the club. However the French tactician has already decided to step down despite having one year left on his contract.

Benzema expressed his gratitude towards Zidane, for his relentless support and also for everything that he has done with the club.

“Zizou has always been behind me, supported, and helped to reach this level,” he said at a press conference on Sunday.

“I will thank him every day. Of course I am disappointed that he is leaving Real, because he is a great manager and has won a lot of trophies.

“On a human level, he is the perfect man. I would say the word magnificent even to describe it. But that’s how it is, and life goes on.”

Zidane’s future is totally up in the air as the Frenchman was once linked with his former side Juventus who have also sacked Andrea Pirlo. But now Massimiliano Allegri has been appointed and the Italian will be returning for his second stint with the Old Lady.

On the other hand, Real Madrid have also not finalized a manager for the upcoming season. Los Blancos are looking at managers like Mauricio Pochettino who has a year left on his contract with PSG but has informed the club of his desire to leave. Youth team coach and club legend Raul Gonzalez has also emerged as a potential candidate to take up the role.

However, some shock rumours also link Real Madrid with Antonio Conte. The Italian tactician who guided Inter Milan to the Serie A title this season, ending Juventus’ long reign is also set to leave the club.

So it will be interesting to see where someone like Zinedine Zidane end up and also which manager gets the nod to replace the Frenchman at Real Madrid.