By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
On the final day of their 2022-23 season, Real Madrid have confirmed Karim Benzema will leave the club after an incredible 14-year spell.
Benzema joined Madrid from Lyon in 2009 and, after a difficult start, found a place alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale as one of the club’s most successful forward lines.
The star is expected to accept a staggering deal with £345 million over two years. His exact destination is yet to be confirmed, with newly crowned league champions Al-Ittihad though to be the favourites to sign him.
“Real Madrid C.F. and our captain Karim Benzema have agreed to put an end to his brilliant and unforgettable time as a player for our club,” Madrid said in a statement. “Real Madrid wants to show its gratitude and all its affection for a player who is already one of our greatest legends.
“Karim Benzema’s career at Real Madrid has been an example of behaviour and professionalism, and he has represented the values of our club. Karim Benzema has earned the right to decide his future …Real Madrid is and will always be his home, and we wish him and his entire family all the best in this new phase of his life.”
The club said an event would be held at its training ground on Tuesday, June 6, to pay tribute to Benzema.
His 25 trophies at the club — a record shared with Marcelo — consist of four LaLiga titles, five Champions Leagues, three Copas del Rey, four Spanish Supercopas, four UEFA Super Cups and five FIFA Club World Cups.
Real Madrid play their final game of the season on Sunday against Athletic Bilbao, though Benzema looks to have already played his final game for the club.