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Benzema says goodbye to Real Madrid in emotional press conference ahead of Al-Ittihad transfer.
Prior to his high-profile move to Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia, Karim Benzema said an emotional farewell to Real Madrid.
After Real announced over the weekend that Benzema would be leaving the team, the Frenchman played his farewell match for the team on Sunday against Athletic Club, capping things off with a goal from the penalty spot.
After 14 trophy-filled years at the Bernabeu, the 35-year-old is now ready to take on a new challenge in the Middle East, and on Tuesday morning, he said his final farewell in front of the media.
“It’s a bit of a sad day because I’m leaving my club,” Benzema told a press conference. I signed for Madrid and I wanted to to retire here, but it didn’t happen that way. I will always be a Madrid fan. Thanks also to the fans who always gave me this strength. Thank you all, really.”
According to reports, Benzema has already agreed to a lucrative three-year contract with Al-Ittihad, the Saudi Pro League champions for 2022–23. They were able to finish first ahead of Al-Nassr, who are presently sponsored by Cristiano Ronaldo, Benzema’s former Real teammate.