Real Madrid Confirm Karim Benzema Exit In Statement Paying Tribute To "One Of Our Greatest Legends"

Karim Benzema will leave Real Madrid this summer following 14 seasons with the Spanish club.

Benzema, 35, will depart on a free transfer when his current contract expires on June 30.

It has been widely reported that he will join Saudi Arabian champions Al-Ittihad.

Karim Benzema will not play for Real Madrid next season

IMAGO/ZUMA Wire/Joaquin Corchero

Cristiano Ronaldo is the only player to have scored more goals for Madrid than Benzema in the club's 121-year history.

Benzema has scored 353 goals for Madrid in 647 games and has won 24 team trophies, including the Champions League five times.

Madrid announced Benzema's upcoming departure by publishing a 402-word statement on Sunday, hours before the team's final game of the season - against Athletic Bilbao.

The statement began: "Real Madrid Football Club and our captain Karim Benzema have agreed to bring his brilliant and unforgettable time as a player at our club to a close.

"Real Madrid would like to show our gratitude and affection to a player who is already one of our greatest legends."

It added: "Karim Benzema's career at Real Madrid has been a shining example of conduct and professionalism, and he has represented the values of our club.

"Karim Benzema has earned the right to decide his future.

"Madridistas and all the fans all over the world alike have enjoyed his magical and unique football, which has made him one of the great icons of our club and one of the great legends of world football.

"Real Madrid is and always will be his home, and we wish him and all his family all the best in this new stage of his life."