Karim Benzema will depart Real Madrid after an unbelievable 14-year tenure, the club has announced.
Al-Ittihad reportedly offered Benzema €400 million ($439 million) over two years, despite rumors that he would put off the move and stay at the Bernabeu. It was claimed earlier this week that Benzema plans to move to Al-Ittihad.
Real have now made it official that a goodbye ceremony will be held on Tuesday, with Florentino Perez expected to attend. Benzema joined the team in 2009 and is their second-highest goalscorer 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.
The Spanish giants released a statement confirming the news. “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. Kim 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.” Read the statement.
