Real Madrid Star Karim Benzema Set to Depart in the Upcoming Summer
Real Madrid has officially announced that striker Karim Benzema will be departing the club this summer as his contract expires.
For the last week, the future of the 35-year-old was uncertain due to interest in his services from Saudi Arabia. After initially considering the move to the Middle East, Benzema started leaning towards staying with Real for at least another season. However, following further talks with the club, Benzema and Real Madrid reached an agreement for him to leave the Spanish giants this summer.
A club statement read, "Real Madrid CF and our captain Karim Benzema have agreed to end his brilliant and unforgettable period as a player for our club. Real Madrid wants to show its gratitude and all its affection for who is already one of our greatest legends."
Benzema joined Real from Lyon in 2009 and has made 647 appearances for the club, scoring 353 goals and making 165 assists. He will have the opportunity to add to that tally in his final game against Athletic Club on Sunday.
The statement continued, "Madridistas and all the fans around the world have enjoyed his magical and unique football, which has made him one of the great myths of our club and one of the great legends of world football."
Real Madrid has planned an institutional act of tribute and farewell to Karim Benzema at Real Madrid City on June 6, with the presence of club president Florentino Perez.
Karim Benzema's career at Real Madrid has set an example of behavior, professionalism, and represented the values of the club. Real Madrid thanks Karim Benzema for his dedication and hard work and wishes him and his family the best in his upcoming endeavours.
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