‘It really hurts, it’s not easy’: Karim Benzema insists he ‘really wanted to retire’ at Real Madrid despite agreeing to his £258 million three-year deal with Saudi champions Al-Ittihad – while he after 14 fruitful seasons a legend bows at the Bernabéu
- Karim Benzema has agreed to a contract with Saudi Pro League champion Al-Ittihad
- The striker won Madrid four LaLiga titles and five Champions League trophies
- Florentino Perez held a farewell ceremony in Benzema’s honor on Tuesday
Karim Benzema insisted he ‘really wanted to retire’ at Real Madrid as he parted ways with the club on Tuesday after 14 trophy-packed seasons at the Bernabeu.
The French superstar is leaving the LaLiga giants to join Saudi Arabian champions Al-Ittihad this summer on a three-year deal worth £258 million.
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez hosted a farewell ceremony on Tuesday morning to honor the 2022 Ballon d’Or winner, who will leave the Bernabeu with four LaLiga titles, five Champions League titles and five Club World Cup trophies.
Speaking at the event, Benzema said, “It really hurts, it’s not easy, I really wanted to retire here, but sometimes directions change.
“I will always watch Madrid’s games and I will always support Real Madrid, the best club in the world. Real Madrid will always be my family.’
Karim Benzema (centre) leaves Real Madrid after 14 trophy-laden campaigns this summer
Real Madrid chief Florentino Perez bid a fond farewell to Benzema on Tuesday morning
The Frenchman concluded his farewell speech with the words: ‘As I said on the first day, 1, 2, 3… Hala Madrid!’
Perez added: “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. It took some time for some 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.’