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Karim Benzema said goodbye to Real Madrid as he is: with few words. The Frenchman said goodbye to the white team in an act in a room of Valdebebas, without a press conference with the media, surrounded by his closest family circle, some of his teammates (Nacho, Lucas, Modric and Courtois), Carlo Ancelotti, former players and coaches such as Raul, Roberto Carlos and Arbeloa and his great supporter during the last decade: Florentino Perez.

The morning began with an extensive video of the best goals, passes, dribbles and images of Benzema with the white shirt, with special prominence for the last Champions League won in Paris. The one that has made Karim a "club myth", as the president insisted.

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Today is a very difficult day for me." Florentino began his speech excited and "sad" to say goodbye to what has been his right eye since 2009. The president, who had a small and funny lapse when confusing Luka Modric with Luka Doncic, stressed that Benzema is "a unique player, one of the best of all time." "To all those who feel sadness I want to remind them of the fortune of enjoying their football. We will never forget it," he added.

The head of Madrid wanted to make a special mention about the successes and adversities that the Frenchman has had to navigate during his career at the Bernabeu. "We are very proud of you, you arrived young and you have become one of the great legends of the club. You are a different footballer, some were slow to understand you, you have overcome many adversities, you have learned to withstand pressure you leave as one of the great myths of the club. A benchmark of companionship, humility, respect, work and leadership. As president, I wouldn't know how to put a 'but' on your conduct, and you know that's not easy."

Florentino reflected on Karim's decision and stressed the argument that Madrid has followed during the last days. "You have earned the right to decide your destiny and we must accept and respect it," he repeated, recalling that "you are the current Ballon d'Or."

"Your legend will last forever as a beautiful love story. You will be one of our greatest ambassadors, this is and will always be your home," he concluded.

"It hurts me to leave this club"

Seconds later, and after the heartfelt embrace between president and footballer, Benzema took the microphone excitedly. "It's hard to talk, a lot of emotions...", he began, in that imperfect Spanish he has always had. " It was a good road and I have been lucky enough to realize my dream as a child thanks to the 'presi'", and he remembered when Florentino went to look for him at his house in Lyon. "A long time ago, when I was 21, you went to my parents' house and when I saw you I said 'he's the man who signed Zizou and Ronaldo and he loves me'. Thank you for that."

Benzema reflected on the decision to leave Madrid when his desire until a few months ago was to retire at the club. "Today is the time to leave, to see another story. I don't have many words for you because it's a sad day, I'm going to leave this club and it hurts me, because I had a dream in my head, I wanted to retire at Madrid, but life sometimes gives you another chance and I've decided so with my family."

Karim insisted that "I will never forget Madrid, it's impossible. Thanks to the coach, who has always given me confidence and I will never forget it, I have learned a lot from you," he said, addressing Ancelotti. "I will always watch Madrid's games. Thanks to the fans and thanks to everyone, really," he concluded.

  • Karim Benzema
  • Real Madrid

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