Real Madrid’s Karim Benzema leaves club after 14-year stint
Star-striker Karim Benzema will leave Real Madrid as a free agent at the end of the season after 14 trophy years, the club said on Sunday.
The club said, “Karim Benzema’s career at Real Madrid has been an example of behavior and professionalism, and has represented the values of our club. Karim Benzema has earned the right to decide his future.”
The 35-year-old has won 25 trophies with the club including five Champions Leagues and four La Liga titles after his transfer from Lyon in 2009. He has scored 353 goals in all competitions in 647 appearances for Madrid.
Comunicado Oficial: Benzema.#RealMadrid.
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) June 4, 2023
Meanwhile, earlier in the week reports have emerged that the forward might sign for Saudi club Al-Ittihad who were crowed Saudi Pro League champions this season, finishing five points clear of Benzema;s former teammate Criano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr.
Last December, Benzema had seemingly announced his retirement from international level just a day after France had failed to win their 3rd World Cup crown. He had missed the World Cup through injury and all but confirmed that he has retired from international duty for France through Twitter, which was incidentally also the day of his 35th birthday.
“I made the effort and the makes it took to be where I am today and I’m proud of it! I have written my story and ours is ending,” he had written on Twitter. Benzema played 97 games, scored 37 goals and has 20 asss for France.
