Real Madrid has confirmed the news of Karim Benzema leaving the club after an amazing 14 years. Benzema won numerous trophies with Los Blancos. He has been the subject of a huge offer from Saudi Arabia, and may well head to the country to join the same league Cristiano Ronaldo is currently playing in.
Al-Ittihad reportedly offered Benzema €400 million (£346 million/$439 million) over two years, despite rumors that he would put off the move and stay at the Bernabeu. It was reported earlier this week that Benzema plans to move to Al-Ittihad.
Benzema was planning a press conference to bid the club’s supporters farewell, so the hints were there nonetheless. Real has now made it official that on Tuesday, a farewell ceremony will be held, with President Florentino Perez expected to attend.
Benzema joined the team in 2009 and is their second-highest goalscorer of all-time. He has won several trophies along the way, including the Ballon d’Or in 2022 and four La Liga championships. He has also won five Champions League titles.
In Real’s statement, they said: “Real Madrid Football Club and our captain Karim Benzema have agreed to bring his brilliant and unforgettable time as a player at our club to a close.
Real Madrid would like to show our gratitude and affection to a player who is already one of our greatest legends.
“Karim Benzema’s career at Real Madrid has been a shining example of conduct and professionalism, and he has represented the values of our club. Karim Benzema has earned the right to decide his future.
Madridistas and all the fans all over the world alike have enjoyed his magical and unique football, which has made him one of the great icons of our club and one of the great legends of world football.”
Real Madrid is and always will be his home, and we wish him and all his family all the best in this new stage of his life. Next Tuesday 6 June, at 12:00 pm (CEST), an institutional act of homage and farewell to Karim Benzema will take place at Real Madrid Sport City, which will be attended by our president, Florentino Perez.”
