After spending almost 14 years in Real Madrid, Karim Benzema will go to play in the first league of Saudi Arabia. At an emotional ceremony, the French forward said goodbye to the club where he finished his career as a football player.

Benzema (Real Madrid)Photo: Pressinphoto / Shutterstock Editorial / Profimedia

Karim Benzema said that he wants to finish his career in “Real” – the Frenchman will sign with “Al Ittihad”

Having joined Real Madrid in the summer of 2009, Karim Benzema leaves the team at the Santiago Bernabeu as the most decorated footballer in the club’s history (25 trophies), tied with Marcelo.

Benzema was bought by Los Blancos for 35 million euros, and in 14 seasons at Real Madrid, he played 648 matches, scored 354 goals and provided 165 assists.

The Frenchman has won every possible trophy at club level with Real Madrid, and on Tuesday he officially parted ways with the Madrid side in an emotional ceremony in Madrid.

“It’s difficult to speak with such emotions, but I wanted to thank Real Madrid and my teammates.

It has been a wonderful journey in my life. I was lucky to fulfill my childhood dream.

It’s time for me to go and live another story. I signed a contract with Madrid and wanted to finish my career here, but it didn’t happen.” – introduced the 2022 Ballon d’Or winner.

At the same ceremony, the president of “Real” Florentino Perez spoke about Benzema’s departure and paid tribute to the 35-year-old forward.

“You’ve become one of the best of all time. We’ve seen you do incredible things with our shirt around the world. And this will never be forgotten by any resident of Madrid. We are all very proud of you.” Florentino Perez said.

Karim Benzema is due to undergo a medical in Saudi Arabia, where he is expected to sign for Al Ittihad. He will meet his former Real Madrid colleague Cristiano Ronaldo.