Official: Karim Benzema Leaves Real Madrid After 14 Years at the Club

Official: Karim Benzema Leaves Real Madrid After 14 Years at the Club

Isaac Darko
updated at June 4, 2023 at 11:04 AM
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  • Karim Benzema has confirmed he will leave Real Madrid this summer
  • The 35-year-old has been offered a mouthwatering deal from Saudi Arabia
  • The current Ballon d'Or holder’s contract with Real Madrid expires this summer

Karim Benzema has left Real Madrid after 14 years, the Spanish club confirmed on Sunday morning.

The 35-year-old joined Los Blancos from hometown club, Lyon, in 2009 and made 657 appearances, scoring 353 goals.

The ex-France international won La Liga on four occasions and lifted the Champions League five times.

Karim Benzema, Real Madrid
Karim Benzema will leave Real Madrid 14 years after joining from Ligue 1 club Lyon. Credit: @realmadrid
Source: Getty Images

Sky Sports reports that Benzema has made 42 appearances in all competitions so far this season, scoring 30 goals and assisting six more.

Benzema did not feature in Real Madrid's 2-1 away triumph at Sevilla on May 27 but could play his last game against Athletic Bilbao at the Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday night.

Real Madrid's statement on Benzema

A statement published on Real Madrid's official website reads:

"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.
"Karim Benzema's career at Real Madrid has been an example of behaviour and professionalism, and 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 he wishes him and all his family the best in this new phase of his life.

Kane to replace Benzema?

Meanwhile, Real Madrid will make a move for Tottenham striker, Harry Kane should Benzema decide to leave the Spanish giants this summer, Caught Offside reports.

Kane appears willing to finally leave the North London club this summer after another failed season. Manchester United and Real Madrid have been sounded as possible destinations for the England forward.

Tottenham could earn in the region of £100m from Kane’s sale now, rather than allowing the forward to leave for free when his contract expires next season.

Benzema seeks Ronaldo’s advice

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Karim Benzema is weighing all the options after being offered a massive €400m deal to join Al-Ittihad this summer on a two-year deal.

The 35-year-old forward has spent 14 years at Real Madrid but could leave the 14-time Champions League winners when his current deal expires at the end of the season.

Benzema has now spoken to former teammate, Cristiano Ronaldo before deciding whether to accept the offer from the Saudi Arabian club.

Authors
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Isaac Darko
Isaac Darko is a La Liga, Ligue 1 and Bundesliga editor at Sports Brief with a Degree in Journalism and Communications from Ghana Institute of Journalism (2010)
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