OFFICIAL: Karim Benzema has joined Al-Ittihad after leaving Real Madrid

Karim Benzema has bid farewell to Real Madrid after announcing his departure from the club on Sunday. The French striker has spent an impressive 14 years with the Spanish giants, during which he has cemented his place as one of the club’s modern-day legends.

Benzema’s final game for Real Madrid took place on the same day as his announcement, with the striker scoring his 354th goal for the club in the match against Athletic Club. The Santiago Bernabeu was filled with emotion as the fans paid tribute to Benzema’s incredible contribution to the club.

Following his departure, Benzema has been heavily linked with a move to Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittihad. This speculation has now been confirmed as the club announced the signing of the striker on their social media accounts. Benzema has signed a three-year contract with Al-Ittihad, joining former Real Madrid teammate Cristiano Ronaldo in the Middle East.

The move to Saudi Arabia marks a new chapter in Benzema’s career, and he will undoubtedly bring his vast experience and talent to the team. However, his departure leaves a significant void in Real Madrid’s squad, with the Frenchman having been their only natural striker option during the 2022/23 season.

Replacing Benzema will be a daunting task for Real Madrid, as he has been their talisman for the last few years. The club will need to identify a suitable replacement who can fill the void left by the Frenchman’s departure. This will be a huge challenge, as Benzema’s contribution to the team extended beyond his goalscoring abilities.

Benzema’s departure from Real Madrid marks the end of an era for the club. The Frenchman has been a key figure in the team’s success over the last decade, and his presence will be sorely missed. However, as with any great team, Real Madrid will now need to regroup and look to the future as they strive to maintain their status as one of the world’s top football clubs.