Karim Benzema departs Real Madrid after 14 years, set to join Saudi club
Madrid, Jun 4 (EFE).- Real Madrid’s prolific French forward Karim Benzema is leaving the La Liga club by the end of the ongoing season after a memorable 14-year stint, the Spanish club announced on Sunday.
The 2022 Ballon d’Or winner will join Saudi Pro League side Al Ittihad on a two-year contract, the Saudi state television confirmed.
“Real Madrid Football Club and our captain Karim Benzema have agreed to bring his brilliant and unforgettable time as a player at our club to a close,” Real said in a statement.
Since Benzema signed up for Real in 2009 from French side Olympique Lyonnais, the 35-year-old has won a tally of 25 titles with the club, including five Champions Leagues, five FIFA Club World Cups, four European Super Cups and four La Ligas.
Benzema played 647 matches with Real and is currently the club’s second all time-highest scorer with 353 goals.
“Karim Benzema (…) has been a fundamental player in this golden age of our history,” the club said.
His “career at Real Madrid has been a shining example of conduct and professionalism, and he has represented the values of our club,” it added. “Real Madrid is and always will be his home, and we wish him and all his family all the best in this new stage of his life.” EFE
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