Benzema says goodbye to Real Madrid; It was signed by Al Ittihad

Karim Benzema said goodbye to Real Madrid after fourteen successful years, as the player with the most titles in the history of the white club, proud to have written history in “the best club in the world”, admitting that it was his “dream” to retire in white, but decided for “another opportunity” that opens up for him in Arab football.

“It’s difficult to speak with a lot of emotions, but I wanted to thank Real Madrid and my teammates. It was a good journey in my life, I was lucky to be able to fulfill my dream as a child thanks to the president that a long time ago, when I was 21 years old, went to my house with my parents,” recalled Florentino Pérez with gratitude.

“When I saw him, I said, he is the man who signed Zizou, Ronaldo and now he wants me in his team. Thank you very much, I will never forget Real Madrid, it is impossible, it is the best club in the world and in history, but I think today is the time to leave, to see another story,” he explained.

In his short speech, Benzema acknowledged that he had fulfilled his childhood dreams and repeated a sentence from his presentation fourteen years ago when he still did not speak Spanish. “The most important thing for me is what I won at Real Madrid as a child. As I said on the first day: one, two, three, Hala Madrid!”

The 35-year-old French striker also had words of thanks for Carlo Ancelotti, who saw him off alongside teammates such as Thibaut Courtois, Luka Modric, Lucas Vázquez and Nacho Fernández, as well as former players such as Roberto Carlos, Raúl González and Álvaro Arbelo.

“Thanks to the coach who always gave me great confidence from the beginning and I will never forget him from a top coach with whom I learned a lot”, he pointed out.

In the final part of the speech, Benzema briefly explained the reason for the unexpected parting. “I don’t have many words because it’s a little sad, because it hurts me to leave the club. I had a dream to sign and end up in Real Madrid, but sometimes in life there is another chance and I make it happen with my family,” he explained.

“I will always watch Real Madrid games. Thank you to the fans for pushing and for the strength to play good games. Thank you all really,” he said.

Saudi club Al Ittihad announced the signing of a contract with Benzema
Saudi club Al Ittihad announced on Tuesday that they have signed Frenchman Karim Benzema until 2026 after the Real Madrid captain said goodbye to his fans after 14 seasons.

“I’m excited to see you in Jeddah,” the Algerian-born Frenchman said in Arabic at the end of the announcement video, referring to the Saudi coastal city that will host his new team for the next three seasons.

“Benzema is from Ittihad,” the Saudi club announced in a short tweet on its official Twitter account, which featured a video of Benzema signing his new contract alongside the black and yellow jersey he will wear, which features the number 2026.