Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema has revealed his disappointment at the departure of Zinedine Zidane.
The French striker who was one of the most consistent players in Zidane’s last reign in Madrid said he is grateful for the help the coach has given him while in charge of the Spanish side.
Benzema made a total of 45 appearances under Zidane last season and was the club’s top scorer with 30 goals, leading to his recall to the French national team after six years of exile.
“Zizou has always been behind me, supported, and helped to reach this level,” Benzema 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 quit his post as head coach at Real Madrid last week after a disappointing season that saw the club fail to win a single trophy.
Although they finished runners-up to Atletico Madrid in La Liga, missing out by a single point, and reached the semi-finals of the Champions League, Zidane called him time out at Real Madrid with one year left on his contract.
His next managerial post remains a subject of speculation with PSG seen as the next possible destination for him if Mauricio Pochettino departs this summer.