Benzema: I wanted to retire at Real Madrid

Photo: EPA

Karim Benzema has sealed a deal with Saudi Arabia side Al Ittihad.

Benzema spent 14 years at Real Madrid, before making a switch to Saudi Arabia, where he’d get a massive paycheck.

The club organised a farewell ceremony for Benzema, and it was an emotional moment.

After a speech from Florentino Perez, Benzema gave a heart-warming speech.

He said: “Hello everyone. It’s difficult to talk now. I want to thank everyone. Thank you Presi for bringing me here. I’ll never forget. Real Madrid is the greatest. But now it’s time to leave.

“This is a sad day. I leave my club…I always wanted to retire but things do not always go as planned. I will always watch Real Madrid games and support the team. I’m who I am because of this club, thank you very much.

“Real Madrid will always be my family. Many thanks to the president. I have been able to realize my dream. I will never forget Real Madrid because it is the best club in the world and in history.

“As I said the first day, 1, 2, 3… Hala Madrid!”