breaking news: Karim Benzema has decided to leave Real Madrid after 14 years

Multiple reports suggest that Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema has made the decision to leave the club after 14 successful years.

Benzema has won a total of 25 trophies during his time at the Santiago Bernabeu, including five Champions League titles, four La Liga titles, and three Copas del Rey.

With 647 appearances and 353 goals, he is considered one of the greatest ever to wear the Madrid shirt, winning the Ballon d’Or award last season. Despite earlier reports indicating that he would stay for another season and had agreed to a contract extension until 2024, rumours of a massive offer from Saudi Arabian club Al Ittihad seem to have changed his mind.

Julien Laurens of ESPN and Gianluca DiMarzio both report that Benzema has decided to leave the club. Real Madrid is yet to announce a replacement for the departing striker, leaving a significant gap in their squad. Benzema’s final game for the club will be against Athletic Club this Sunday at the Santiago Bernabeu.