Karim Benzema, a French football player, has left Real Madrid.
Journalist Fabrizio Romano tweeted that an official statement has confirmed the decision to break company with the player and the club after 14 years.
According to reports, the Spanish team announced on Sunday that the 35-year-old forward had reached an agreement to finish his illustrious career at the club.
This week, he has also been strongly connected to a prosperous relocation to Saudi Arabia.
“Real Madrid and our captain Karim Benzema have agreed to put an end to his brilliant and unforgettable era as a player at our club,” said Los Blancos in a statement.
“Madrid wants to show their gratitude and all their love to someone who is one of our greatest legends.”
The announcement comes after Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti had said Saturday there was “no doubt” about Benzema’s future at Madrid, noting the forward had one more year left on his contract.
And after news of his likely departure for Saudi Arabia broke earlier in the week, Benzema himself had acknowledged, “Not everything you read on the internet is reality.” The French attacker joined Madrid in 2009 from Ligue 1 side Lyon.
Along with Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo, Benzema formed the renowned “BBC” attacking trident. After Ronaldo left the team in 2018, Benzema evolved into the team’s captain.
With Madrid, Benzema won 24 trophies, including five Champions Leagues, four La Liga championships, three Copa del Reys, and is now the Ballon d’Or winner for the best player in the world.
With 353 goals for Madrid, he is second all-time among Real Madrid scorers, only behind Cristiano Ronaldo’s 450.
Later on today, when Madrid meets Athletic Bilbao in La Liga at the Santiago Bernabeu, Benzema may make his farewell appearance for the team.
There will be plenty of room for fresh attacking additions as Madrid announced on Saturday that Eden Hazard, Marco Asensio, and Mariano Diaz are all leaving this summer as well.
Ancelotti chose not to address the rumoured interest of Real Madrid in Harry Kane of England and Tottenham on Saturday.
“I’m not going to talk about the future of the squad that is in place,” said Ancelotti.
“Kane is a great player, he is a Tottenham player, we have to respect the player and Tottenham.”
