2023-06-04 17:17:00
MADRID — After 14 years of a happier marriage every season, French Ballon d’Or Karim Benzema is set to leave Real Madrid, likely for Saudi Arabia, showered with rave tributes from his club and teammates.
“One of the great myths in the history of Real” (Emilio Butragueno), “a legend of football” (Eder Militao), “I grew up with you” (Vinicius): Madrid did not have enough words big Sunday to celebrate “KB9”, a few hours following the announcement of his departure at the end of the season, at 35 years old.
The Ballon d’Or 2022 should not hang up the crampons. According to Saudi state television, the Al-Ittihad club gives him a golden bridge to come and play in the Saudi kingdom, where Cristiano Ronaldo is already playing. According to the Al-Ekhbariya channel, the club president and his deputy were in Madrid on Sunday “to officially sign” a “record” two-season contract with the striker.
For Europe, it is the end of an era. That of a young tricolor striker who left very early – in 2009, at the age of 21 – to join one of the biggest teams on the continent. That of a complete player, sometimes criticized, long remained in the shadow of the insatiable Cristiano Ronaldo. That, finally, of a leader who became indisputable in his last years in Spain, the best of his career.
« Benzvini, Vinzema… »
“He’s one of the best players we’ve ever had,” praised Real’s director of international relations, former star Emilio Butragueno: “Football has grown so much in recent years thanks to players like Karim”.
“Benzvini, Vinzema… It doesn’t matter,” his teammate Vinicius wrote on his account. Instagram, “the result has always been the same: goals, laughs, titles and, above all, learning. When the overly shy boy from Sao Gonçalo arrived in Madrid in 2018, you were the first to welcome me. I will never forget,” added the 22-year-old Brazilian.
“Goodbye Captain!!! Pure magic”, launched central defender Nacho Fernandez, while Eder Militao wrote: “Thank you Karim! Your beautiful story here at Real Madrid will be eternal. I will keep your advice, your love and your respect for me”.
In the evening, the French played his last match in the mythical white jersey, his 648th, at home at the Bernabeu once morest Athletic Bilbao, for the last La Liga game of the season.
In 14 seasons in the “White House”, Karim Benzema leaves an indelible mark, with 25 titles including five Champions Leagues won.
He is leaving almost at his peak: his last European coronation, in 2022, opened the doors to the Ballon d’Or, the first for a French player since Zinédine Zidane in 1998.
Surprise
And his lackluster last season – failure in the LdC semi-final once morest Manchester City, title left to Barcelona in La Liga – will not have had time to erase the trace left by “KB9” in recent months, in the wake of a heroic European campaign last year. With 15 goals scored during this edition, he will remain the man of Madrid’s 14th title.
Became captain, the No. 9 has indeed clearly taken control of the offensive game of Real once CR7 left, in 2018. He is currently, behind his former teammate, the second top scorer in the history of the club, with 353 goals.
“Karim Benzema’s career at Real Madrid has been an example of behavior and professionalism, and has represented the values of our club. Karim Benzema has earned the right to decide his future,” Real Madrid explained, implying that Benzema himself decided not to extend his contract.
To see him leave Madrid so abruptly is a surprise, given his recent statements and a clause in his contract allowing him, thanks to the Ballon d’Or, to automatically renew his commitment for one more year.
But Benzema has made his choice. And Real has already announced the holding of a tribute to its player on Tuesday June 6, in the presence of club president Florentino Perez.
1685904129
#Soccer #Karim #Benzema #quitte #Real #Madrid
