Archive footage of Karim Benzema as Real Madrid announced he is to leave the club

Karim Benzema is to leave Real Madrid after 14 years at the Santiago Bernabeu, the Spanish club have announced. France striker Benzema, 35, is Real’s second all-time scorer with 353 goals and won 25 trophies in Madrid – a club record. “Karim Benzema’s career at Real Madrid has been an example of behaviour and professionalism, and has represented the values ​​of our club,” read a Real statement. “Karim Benzema has earned the right to decide his future. “Madridistas and all the fans around the world have enjoyed his magical and unique football, which has made him one of the great myths of our club and one of the great legends of world football.”