Benzema leaves Real Madrid after 14 years

Karim Benzema is set to leave Real Madrid after 14 years at the club.

In a statement on Sunday, the Spanish giants said the Ballon d’Or winner will leave the club as a free agent in the close season.

“Real Madrid Football Club and our captain Karim Benzema have agreed to bring his brilliant and unforgettable time as a player at our club to a close,” the statement reads in part.

“Real Madrid would like to show our gratitude and affection to 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 has represented the values ​​of our club. Karim Benzema has earned the right to decide his future.”

There had been rumours that the five-time UEFA Champions League (UCL) winner would be joining Cristiano Ronaldo in the Saudi Pro League.

But the 35-year-old French striker had dismissed the rumours.

Benzema joined the Spanish giants from Olympic Lyon in 2009. He has won 25 titles at Real Madrid, a record highest for any player at the club.

Amongst the titles won during his time at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium are five UCLs, four La Liga titles, three Spanish King’s Cups, five Club World Cups, and four Spanish and European Super Cups.

In 647 appearances for Madrid, Benzema is the second on their all-time goalscoring list with 353 goals – only behind Cristiano.