"It Really Hurts": Karim Benzema Says Emotional Goodbye To Real Madrid

Karim Benzema said an emotional goodbye to Real Madrid on Tuesday.

The 35-year-old spoke at a farewell ceremony set up by the club to celebrate his 14 seasons in Madrid.

Benzema scored 354 goals in 648 games during those 14 seasons, winning 25 team trophies, including five UEFA Champions League titles.

His fine performances for Real also earned him individual prizes, most notably last year when he won the Ballon d'Or award after being voted as the best player on the planet.

Tuesday's event was attended by the entire first-team squad.

Benzema is set to move to Saudi Arabia on a free transfer this summer to join champions Al-Ittihad. It is said that he will earn $107m per year at his new club.

Speaking ahead of his move to the Middle East, Benzema said on Tuesday: "It really hurts, it's not easy, I really wanted to retire here, but sometimes directions change.

"I'll always be watching Madrid games and I will always support Real Madrid, the best club in the world. Real Madrid will always be my family."

He later ended his speech by saying: "As I said the first day, one, two, three... Hala Madrid!"

Karim Benzema pictured speaking at his farewell ceremony after announcing his decision to leave Real Madrid

Twitter/@realmadriden

Club president Florentino 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. Some took a while 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."