Karim Benzema set to depart Real Madrid after 14 years and five Champions League victories
Karim Benzema set to leave Real Madrid after 14-year spell
Real Madrid has confirmed that Ballon d’Or-winning striker, Karim Benzema, will be leaving the club at the end of this season. The Frenchman joined Los Blancos from Lyon in 2009 and has since won five Champions League titles and four La Liga championships with them.
The news comes as a shock to many fans who were looking forward to seeing him play for another season. However, according to Spanish football journalist Guillem Balague, Al-Ittihad has offered him a “record offer” which he is reportedly considering.
A True Legend of Real Madrid Football Club
Benzema’s departure marks an end of an era at Santiago Bernabeu. At 35 years old, he had become one of the most recognizable faces in world football over his decade-and-a-half-long career with Los Blancos.
He earned himself numerous accolades during his time there including being named as the holder of Ballon d’Or last year following his outstanding performance in guiding Real Madrid to their fifth Champions League title by scoring 15 goals throughout the competition. He also won three Copa del Rey trophies and five Club World Cups making a total number of major titles won with Real up to twenty-five – more than any other player in club history except Cristiano Ronaldo.
Farewell Message From The Club
In its official statement announcing Benzema’s exit from the club, Real expressed gratitude to the striker for his “professionalism, behaviour and values” that he brought with him throughout his time at Santiago Bernabeu. The club also added that Benzema has earned the right to decide his future and wished him and his family all the best in their new phase of life.
Real Madrid’s Future Plans
The departure of Karim Benzema leaves a huge void in Real Madrid’s attack as they seek to regain their dominance in Spanish football after finishing second behind Barcelona this season. With Eden Hazard and Marco Asensio also leaving, it is expected that Carlo Ancelotti will look towards bringing in a new striker.
Rumours suggest that Tottenham Hotspur’s Harry Kane or Espanyol’s Joselu could be on their way to Santiago Bernabeu while there are plans underway for PSG forward Kylian Mbappe next summer.
Conclusion
Karim Benzema departs from Real Madrid as one of the most successful players ever to wear its iconic white shirt. He leaves behind an incredible legacy having won major titles both domestically and internationally during his time at Santiago Bernabeu. His departure marks an end of an era but opens up opportunities for fresh talent to come through as Real looks to rebuild under Ancelotti’s guidance.