Real Madrid’s iconic striker, Karim Benzema, has reached an agreement to conclude his illustrious tenure at the club, as announced by the Spanish side on Sunday. Amidst swirling speculations of a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia, the 35-year-old forward’s departure has been officially confirmed by Los Blancos in a heartfelt statement.
“Real Madrid and our revered captain, Karim Benzema, have mutually decided to bring an end to his exceptional and unforgettable journey as a player at our esteemed club,” expressed Real Madrid in their statement, extending their gratitude and immense affection towards one of their greatest legends.
The announcement follows comments made by Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti on Saturday, affirming his unwavering belief in Benzema’s future with the club, emphasizing that the talented striker still had one year remaining on his contract. Benzema himself had alluded to the unreliability of internet reports earlier in the week, dismissing rumors surrounding his potential move to Saudi Arabia.
Having joined Madrid from Ligue 1’s Lyon in 2009, the French forward quickly established himself as an integral part of the renowned “BBC” attacking trio, alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale.
Following Ronaldo’s departure in 2018, Benzema assumed a leadership role within the team. Throughout his remarkable tenure, he secured an impressive 24 trophies with Madrid, including five Champions League triumphs, four La Liga titles, and three Copas del Rey. Furthermore, he currently holds the prestigious Ballon d’Or award, recognizing him as the world’s finest player.
Benzema’s final appearance for the club could potentially be later today when Madrid faces Athletic Bilbao in a La Liga fixture at the Santiago Bernabeu. Madrid confirmed on Saturday that Eden Hazard, Marco Asensio, and Mariano Diaz will also depart this summer, creating ample room for new attacking acquisitions.
Regarding Madrid’s alleged interest in Tottenham and England striker Harry Kane, Ancelotti declined to comment on the matter, asserting, “I will refrain from discussing the future of our existing squad. Harry Kane is an exceptional player and remains a valued member of Tottenham. We must show respect for both the player and Tottenham.”
Karim Benzema’s departure marks the end of an era for Real Madrid, leaving behind a remarkable legacy as the club’s second all-time leading scorer with an impressive tally of 353 goals, second only to Ronaldo’s record of 450 goals. As the curtains draw to a close on his unforgettable journey at Madrid, Benzema eagerly looks forward to embarking on a new chapter in his career.