Benzema will leave Real Madrid 14 years after joining from Ligue 1 club Lyon; Frenchman departs the Bernabeu as club’s second highest all-time goalscorer; the 35-year-old won LaLiga four times and the Champions League five times
Karim Benzema will leave Real Madrid after 14 years at the end of the season, the Spanish club confirmed on Sunday morning.
Reuters are reporting that, according to state media, the 35-year-old has reached an agreement with reigning Saudi Pro League champions Al-Ittihad – managed by former Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo – and will sign a two-year deal.
Benzema scored a second-half penalty to earn Madrid a draw in their final league match of the season against Athletic Bilbao on Sunday. He finishes the season with 31 goals and six assists in 43 games in all competitions.
The former France international joined Real from hometown club Lyon in 2009 and has made 658 appearances, scoring 354 goals.
Benzema won LaLiga on four occasions and lifted the Champions League five times during a trophy-laden spell in the Spanish capital.
Real Madrid CF and our captain Karim Benzema have agreed to end his brilliant and unforgettable period as a player for our club,” the Spanish club said in a statement.
“Real Madrid would like to show its gratitude and affection for who is already one of our greatest legends.
