French international Karim Benzema said on Tuesday he was proud to be part of the “best club in the world”, admitting he had dreamed of ending his career at Real Madrid but there was an “opportunity” in Arab football.
“It’s hard to say that I have so many emotions, but I wanted to thank Real Madrid and my teammates. It was a good journey in my life and I was lucky to have a childhood dream come true when President [Florentino Pérez] this was my home when I was 21 to talk to my parents, ”said the striker.
Benzema spoke today at a farewell ceremony organized by Real Madrid after 14 years at the club from 2009/10 to 2022/23, making him the player with the most trophies won by the Spanish crest.
“When I saw him, the man who hired Zizu, [Zidane] and Ronaldo and he wanted me to be on his team. I will never forget Real Madrid, it’s impossible, this is the best club in the world and in history, but I think it’s time to leave, ”the player justified himself, without specifying which club he was moving to.
The moment that the president of the club also remembered, emphasizing what Benzema managed to achieve.
“We are all very proud of you. You arrived very young and became one of our greatest legends, part of a legendary team, an impressive player in the way you understand football, with your goals and incredible performances,” said Florentino Perez.
In parting, the 35-year-old striker also thanked coach Carlo Ancelotti, who last played for the merengue and was present at the ceremony, along with teammates Thibaut Courtois, Luka Modric, Lucas Vazquez and Nacho Fernandez, as well as former players Roberto. Carlos, Raul Gonzalez and Arbeloa.
“I don’t have many words, it’s also a bit sad, it hurts me to leave the club. I had a dream to sign a contract and finish at Real Madrid, but sometimes there are other opportunities in life and I use them with my family,” Benzema added.
Finally, the striker promised that he would continue to follow the games of the club, guaranteeing the fans sincere gratitude throughout all these years.
Today’s farewell comes two days after the club announced the departure of Karim Benzema after 14 seasons.
Real Madrid and our captain Karim Benzema have reached an agreement to end his brilliant and unforgettable period as a player of our club. Real Madrid would like to express their gratitude and all their affection for one of their greatest legends,” the club said in a statement. .
The Frenchman arrived at Real Madrid in 2009 at the age of just 21 from Lyon, the club he graduated from and joined the first team.
For merengue, the striker, now 35, has won 25 titles, including five Champions Leagues, four European Super Cups, five Club World Cups, four Spanish leagues, three Super Cups and three Copa del Rey.
The striker has also distinguished himself several times individually, including winning the Ballon d’Or, France Football’s best player of the season award, snatched in 2022.
“Benzema is the fifth player to have worn our shirt most often in 647 games and Real Madrid’s second all-time goalscorer with 353 goals,” said Real Madrid, who has seen the striker used in 42 games in various competitions, scoring 30 balls. scored goals.
Author: Portuguese
Source: CM Jornal
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