Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri has clarified that Medhi Benatia submitted a transfer request, heading into the Bianconeri's trip to Lazio in Serie A on Sunday.
The Moroccan international is reportedly heading to Qatari side Al-Duhail, with Biancocelesti defender Martín Cáceres due to replace the centre-back, having undergone a medical on Saturday ahead of what will be his third spell at La Vecchia Signora.
Benatia has made just six appearances in all competitions this campaign and wanted to leave, according to Allegri, who admitted that the 31-year-old's decision put him at odds with the club, who had no other option than to respect the player's wishes and grant him permission to depart.