Real Madrid forward Karim Benzema will leave the Spanish giants on a free transfer when his contract expires at the end of June.
The 35-year-old had widely been expected to sign a new one-year extension at Bernabeu, keeping him with the club until the end of the 2023-24 campaign.
However, towards the end of last week, there was widespread speculation claiming that the Frenchman had agreed to leave Real Madrid in order to make the move to Saudi Arabia.
Benzema then cooled the rumours, before Los Blancos head coach Carlo Ancelotti said during his press conference on Saturday that he is expecting the striker to stay.
The forward will move on this summer, though, with Real Madrid releasing a statement on Sunday morning confirming that the La Liga contest with Athletic Bilbao will mark his farewell game.
© Reuters
"Real Madrid CF and our captain Karim Benzema have agreed to end his brilliant and unforgettable period as a player for our club," read a statement from Real Madrid.
"Real Madrid wants to show its gratitude and all its affection for who is already one of our greatest legends.
"Real Madrid is and will always be his home, and he wishes him and all his family the best in this new phase of his life."
Benzema made the move to the Spanish capital from Lyon in July 2009, and he has represented the club on 647 occasions, scoring 353 goals and registering 165 assists in the process.
© Reuters
Only Cristiano Ronaldo (450) has scored more goals for Real Madrid than Benzema, who has had another productive season in the Spanish capital despite some injury problems.
The Frenchman has scored 30 goals in 42 appearances in all competitions this term, in addition to providing six assists, and he will be aiming to add to his total against Athletic on Sunday.
Al-Ittihad are said to lead the race for Benzema, although a statement regarding his next club will not arrive until next week at the very earliest.
The forward has helped Real Madrid win the UEFA Super Cup, the Club World Cup and the Copa del Rey during the 2022-23 campaign, but the team fell short in both La Liga and the Champions League.
Benzema will leave Bernabeu having won four La Liga titles, three Copa del Rey trophies and five Champions League medals, in addition to lifting the Spanish Super Cup three times, UEFA Super Cup four times and Club World Cup on five occasions.
