(Football news) Karim Benzema last night played his final game as a Real Madrid player. After a week of speculation, Benzema’s departure was announced on Sunday morning. Real Madrid in their statement said that Karim Benzema has earned the right to decide his future. Benzema has reportedly decided to join Saudi club Al Ittihad where he will earn €400M in two years. The money is obviously a big factor but also Karim Benzema’s level was slowly dropping. By leaving now he has ensured that he leaves when he is still on top. Real Madrid will now be looking for a replacement with Harry Kane right on top of the list.

Karim Benzema’s farewell wasn’t perfect as Real Madrid only drew the match. However he did score a goal and was subbed off later to a standing ovation. Karim Benzema joined Real Madrid as one of the hottest property in the world in 2009. He was signed alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka and Xabi Alonso. Out of all the players he was possibly the one that took the most time to settle. But when he did settle it was incredible. Together with Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale, he formed BBC which was one of the most lethal attacking trios in football history. 

Karim Benzema’s career hasn’t always been great as there was a down time where he wasn’t scoring goals and he was getting booed by fans. However ever since Cristiano Ronaldo left, the Frenchman has taken over and carried Real Madrid’s attack on his back. Benzema’s Champions League campaign was truly special which helped him win the Ballon D’or. Karim Benzema is one of the greatest players in Real Madrid’s history and to replace him will be a very difficult job for the club.

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