Real Madrid’s striker, Karim Benzema, has reached an agreement to conclude his successful tenure at the club, according to an announcement made by the Spanish side on Sunday.
The 35-year-old forward has been strongly linked with a lucrative transfer to Saudi Arabia throughout the week.
In a statement, Los Blancos expressed their gratitude and affection towards their captain, Karim Benzema, as they confirmed the decision to bring an end to his remarkable and unforgettable career at the club.
This announcement follows comments made by Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti on Saturday, asserting that there was no doubt about Benzema’s future at Madrid, given that he still had one year remaining on his contract.
Earlier in the week, Benzema himself addressed rumors of a potential move to Saudi Arabia, stating that not everything reported on the internet should be considered reality.
Having joined Madrid in 2009 from Lyon in Ligue 1, the French forward became a pivotal figure alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale in the renowned attacking trio known as the “BBC.” Following Ronaldo’s departure in 2018, Benzema emerged as a leader within the team.
Benzema has accumulated an impressive collection of 24 trophies with Madrid, including five Champions League titles, four LaLiga championships, and three Copa del Rey victories. He currently holds the Ballon d’Or, awarded to the world’s best player.
With 353 goals for Madrid, Benzema is the club’s second-highest scorer of all time, trailing only Ronaldo, who netted 450 goals.
Benzema’s potential final appearance for the club could occur today as Madrid hosts Athletic Bilbao in a LaLiga match at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Madrid confirmed on Saturday that Eden Hazard, Marco Asensio, and Mariano Diaz will also be departing this summer, thereby creating ample room for new attacking acquisitions.
Ancelotti declined to discuss Madrid’s reported interest in English and Tottenham striker Harry Kane, stating that he respected Kane as a player and his affiliation with Tottenham, emphasizing his unwillingness to speculate on the existing squad’s future.
