Former Real Madrid striker Hugo Sanchez has given his thoughts on Iker Casillas, Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema.
Sanchez also discussed the exits of Angel Di Maria and Xabi Alonso and how he expects compatriot Javier Hernandez to do at Santiago Bernabeu.
“Karim has quality and talent. He gets involved a lot in the creation of the play,” Sanchez told AS.
“His percentage of effectiveness isn’t what’s expected of a central striker. Cristiano is a No.9 without having a fixed position. He has an awesome percentage of effectiveness.
“[Ronaldo] is momentous and important to history. He deserves tributes.”
When asked about Casillas and the goalkeeper’s somewhat fractious relationship with the Madrid supporters, Sanchez argued he should be venerated, not jeered.
“Iker’s time should be unforgettable, as his career has been so far,” Sanchez countered.
“He should be one of the darlings of Madrid because of what he has won. I love that in future he will be recognised with a tribute match.”
Asked about the decision to sell Di Maria and Alonso, Sanchez echoed the argument made by President Florentino Perez, the club’s books had to be balanced.
“It’s hard to tell from the outside. It’s very different whether you’re a Coach or a director,” he continued.
“It’s very difficult to spend, spend, spend and not receive anything. If you spend you will have to sell. In this game of mathematics it all depends on the directors.
“I imagine that as a Coach, Carlo Ancelotti would have liked Di Maria and Alonso. But mostly Di Maria, as there are many players who can replace Alonso.
“Di Maria was one of the best players in the world and helped Madrid a lot, but the accounts had to be done.
“I don’t know why Di Maria left. He’s one of the best players in the world.”
