Karim Benzema set to leave Real Madrid after glittering 14-year spell

Actual Madrid has formally introduced on Sunday that their star striker, Karim Benzema, will bid farewell to the membership as a free agent.
The 35-year-old Frenchman, whose illustrious profession on the Spanish giants spanned over 14 years, is alleged to be contemplating a transfer to Saudi Arabian facet Al Ittihad, following a tempting provide estimated to be price over €100 million.
Benzema’s departure comes after a season marred by accidents, which finally resulted in his absence from the French nationwide staff’s World Cup marketing campaign in Qatar. Whereas it appeared seemingly that the seasoned striker would stay at Actual Madrid for an additional yr, the profitable provide from Saudi Arabia seems to have influenced his determination.

Actual Madrid expressed their gratitude to Benzema in an official assertion, acknowledging his invaluable contributions on and off the pitch.
“Actual Madrid CF and our captain Karim Benzema have agreed to finish his sensible and unforgettable interval as a participant for our membership,” the assertion learn.
“Karim Benzema’s profession at Actual Madrid has been an instance of behaviour and professionalism, and has represented the values of our membership. Karim Benzema has earned the best to determine his future.”
If Benzema’s transfer to Al Ittihad materialises, he’ll be part of former Actual Madrid teammate Cristiano Ronaldo, who made an analogous change to Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia in December, signing a contract reportedly price greater than €200 million.

Since becoming a member of Actual Madrid from Olympique Lyonnais in 2009, Benzema has change into a pivotal determine within the membership’s attacking prowess. Following Ronaldo’s departure to Juventus in 2018, Benzema assumed the mantle because the staff’s major goal-scoring risk.
With over 350 targets to his identify, Benzema performed an instrumental function in Actual Madrid’s triumphs, notably within the 2021-2022 season, the place he notched a formidable 44 targets throughout all competitions, main the membership to their record-extending 14th European title and securing the LaLiga crown.
Throughout his exceptional tenure, Benzema amassed an astonishing 25 trophies with Actual Madrid, together with 5 European Cups, 4 LaLiga titles, and three Copas del Rey. His legacy throughout the membership will ceaselessly be etched within the historical past books.
(With inputs from Reuters)