Karim Benzema will depart Real Madrid at the end of the season after 14 years, the Spanish club said on Sunday morning.Benzema will leave Real Madrid 14 years after joining from Ligue 1 club Lyon; Frenchman departs the Bernabeu as club’s second highest all-time goalscorer; the 35-year-old won LaLiga four times and the Champions League five times.
Reuters are reporting that, according to state media, the 35-year-old has reached an agreement with reigning Saudi Pro League champions Al-Ittihad – managed by former Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo – and will sign a two-year deal.
Benzema scored a second-half penalty to earn Madrid a draw in their final league match of the season against Athletic Bilbao on Sunday. He finishes the season with 31 goals and six assists in 43 games in all competitions.
The former France international joined Real from hometown club Lyon in 2009 and has made 658 appearances, scoring 354 goals.
Benzema won LaLiga on four occasions and lifted the Champions League five times during a trophy-laden spell in the Spanish capital.
“Real Madrid CF and our captain Karim Benzema have agreed to end his brilliant and unforgettable period as a player for our club,” the Spanish club said in a statement.
“Real Madrid would like to show its gratitude and affection for who is already one of our greatest legends.”Karim Benzema’s career at Real Madrid has been an example of donduct and professionalism, and he has represented the values of our club. Karim Benzema has earned the right to decide his future.
“Madridistas and all the fans around the world have enjoyed his magical and unique football, which has made him one of the great icons of our club and one of the great legends of world football.
“Real Madrid is and will always be his home, and he wish him and all his family the best in this new phase of his life.
“Next Tuesday, June 6, at 12:00pm, an institutional act of homage and farewell to Karim Benzema will take place at Real Madrid Sport City, which will be attended by our president Florentino Pérez.”
With the news that Benzema will leave Real Madrid at the end of the season having been confirmed, could the Spanish giants now move for Harry Kane to replace him?
Benzema, 35, is expected to move to the Saudi Pro League after 14 years at the Bernabeu.
The Times reported this week, before Benzema’s exit had been confirmed, that Kane was among their targets to replace the Frenchman should he decide to leave.
Real boss Carlo Ancelotti refused this week to be drawn on the club’s reported interest in Kane, who is Man Utd’s principal target this summer.
“Like I’ve said many times, Harry Kane is a great player and a great player of Tottenham,” said Ancelotti.
“We have to respect the player and Tottenham.”