French footballer, Karim Benzema is leaving Real Madrid on a high note as he scored in his final match for the Spanish club he has spent 14 years at.
Reuters had reported that the 35-year-old has reached a multi-million agreement with reigning Saudi Pro League champions Al-Ittihad, managed by former Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo and will sign a two-year deal.
Madrid confirmed Benzema’s exit on Sunday, June 4, before their last match for the season against Athletic Bilbao.
The club said in a statement;
“Real Madrid C.F. and our captain Karim Benzema have agreed to put an end to his brilliant and unforgettable time as a player for our club. Real Madrid wants to show its gratitude and all its affection for a player who is already one of our greatest legends.
“Karim Benzema’s career at Real Madrid has been an example of behaviour and professionalism, and he has represented the values of our club. Karim Benzema has earned the right to decide his future … Real Madrid is and will always be his home, and we wish him and his entire family all the best in this new phase of his life.”
During his final match for Real Madrid today, Benzema scored from a penalty to make it 1-1, after Madrid defender Eder Militao was fouled inside the box. The French forward, whose Madrid goal tally now stands at 354, was soon subbed off and received a standing ovation from the fans.
Benzema is Real Madrid’s second-highest goal scorer of all time and has won a joint-record 25 trophies with the club, including five Champions Leagues and four La Liga titles, as well as the 2022 Ballon d’Or.
The centre-forward had been expected to stay at Madrid for one more season until June 2024 but is opting instead to accept a new challenge.
Benzema joined Madrid from Lyon in 2009 and, after a difficult start, found a place alongside Ronaldo and Gareth Bale as one of the club’s most successful forward lines.
He took on the mantle of Madrid’s lead goal scorer when Ronaldo left in 2018 and had a career-best season last year, scoring 27 times in La Liga and 15 times in the Champions League as the club won both trophies. That form was recognized when Benzema was awarded the Ballon d’Or in October.
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