Having been linked with a big-money move to Saudi Arabia, Karim Benzema's future at Real Madrid has now been confirmed.
It has been announced that the 2022 Ballon d'Or winner will leave Real at the end of this season, after spending 14 years at the Santiago Bernabeu.
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"Real Madrid CF and our captain Karim Benzema have agreed to end his brilliant and unforgettable period as a player for our club," the statement read.
"Real Madrid wants to show its gratitude and all its affection for who is already one of our greatest legends."
The former France star departs as the club's second highest goalscorer of all time behind only Cristiano Ronaldo and one of eight Real players who've won the Ballon d'Or while on their books, alongside the likes of Fabio Cannavaro, Luis Figo, and Luka Modric.
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Benzema, 35, is now expected to join Al Ittihad in Saudi Arabia after receiving a two-year offer most would not be able to refuse worth a reported €400 million (R4.3 billion) altogether. This deal is said to include an ambassador role for Saudi Arabia's bid to host the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
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