Karim Benzema has announced his exit from Real Madrid after 14 years with the club. The striker has won 25 championships, including five European Cups. His next squad could be Al-Ittihad of Saudi Arabia, which has offered him a substantial cash package.
Benzema departs Real Madrid
The news has come as a bombshell in the world of football: the French attacker leaves Santiago Bernabéu as the club’s fourth-highest scorer, with 283 goals in 559 games (an average of 0.51 goals per game). Benzema’s departure leaves a significant void in Real Madrid’s forward line, and it will be difficult to replace a player who has been instrumental in the club’s success over the years.
The departure of the historic goalscorer
Benzema, 35, is regarded as one of the world’s best forwards and his departure from Real Madrid was not a surprise to many. Throughout this season, the player had on several occasions spoken of his weariness and need to seek new challenges. Although Benzema had the option of renewing his contract with Real Madrid, he chose to accept a lucrative offer from Al-Ittihad of Saudi Arabia to begin a new chapter in his football career. According to multiple sources, Benzema would earn more than 40 million euros every season at Al-Ittihad, a huge increase from his previous wage at Real Madrid.
Benzema’s legacy at the white club
Benzema is a player who has made his mark at Real Madrid. Since he arrived at the club in the summer of 2009 from Olympique Lyon, the forward has won a place in the hearts of Real Madrid fans thanks to his skill, intelligence, and scoring ability. In addition to the numerous titles he has won with the club, Benzema has also left some of the best plays in Real Madrid’s history. His overhead kick goal in the 2018 Champions League final against Liverpool, as well as his performances in the 2014 Champions League final against Atlético Madrid and the Club World Cup final against San Lorenzo, are among his most memorable performances.
Benzema’s future in Saudi Arabia
Benzema has joined Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ittihad to begin a new chapter in his football career. The Saudi team, which has recruited Benzema to a multi-million dollar contract, is hoping that the French forward’s expertise and scoring abilities would help the team win fresh titles. Meanwhile, Real Madrid fans will have to say goodbye to one of the club’s most iconic players in the last league match of the season, and an official farewell ceremony will be held at Real Madrid City to honour Benzema’s legacy at the white club.
Real Madrid’s reaction
Following the announcement of Karim Benzema’s departure from Real Madrid, the white club issued an official statement praising the French forward’s status as one of the club’s most influential players in recent years.
Official club statement
“Real Madrid wishes to express its gratitude and appreciation to Karim Benzema for the enormous contribution he has made in the 14 years he has worn the white shirt. His exceptional skill and unwavering dedication have established his position as one of the most important scorers in the history of our club. We wish him the best in his future endeavours”.
