Real confirmed that Benzema will leave the club over the weekend, and the Frenchman subsequently played his final game against Athletic Club on Sunday, signing off with a goal from the penalty spot.
The 35-year-old is now set to take on a new challenge in the Middle East after 14 trophy-laden years at the Bernabeu, and he said his last goodbyes in front of the media on Tuesday morning.
“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 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.”
