Karim Benzema in an emotional farewell event at the Santiago Bernabeu stated his intention to retire at the Los Blancos club.
The French star accepted an offer to join Saudi Arabian side Al-Ittihad and is expected to earn around $100 million per season.
The five-time UEFA Champions League winner has pledged to support his beloved Real Madrid for life; “It really hurts, it’s not easy, I really wanted to retire here, but sometimes directions change. I’ll always be watching Madrid games and I will always support Real Madrid, the best club in the world. Real Madrid will always be my family.”
Florentino Perez, president of Real Madrid eulogized Benzema at the event; “Dear Karim, 14 years ago you arrived at Real Madrid and you have become one of the best players of all time. You are one of the symbols of this club, one of our greatest legends.
“You have managed to move all of us who love football. You are a different footballer and it is true that some took time to understand you. Today is a very difficult day for me. Some took a while to understand you, but you were always a different player. Benzema leaves Real Madrid with the love of the whole world. You are one of the chosen ones.”
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