Karim Benzema leaves Real Madrid after 14 seasons with next stop expected to be Saudi Pro League

The legendary French striker won 25 trophies in 14 seasons with Los Blancos

Karim Benzema, one of the greatest strikers in the history of the sport, is leaving Real Madrid after 14 seasons, 25 trophies and five Champions League crowns. The 35-year-old striker's departure was officially announced by the club on Sunday with the expectation that he'll join Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittihad. Real Madrid Football Club and our captain Karim Benzema have agreed to bring his brilliant and unforgettable time as a player at our club to a close.

Real Madrid would like to show our gratitude and affection to a player who is already one of our greatest legends.

Karim Benzema joined our club in 2009, at just 21 years of age, and has been a fundamental player in this golden age of our history. During the fourteen seasons in which he has represented our badge and our shirt, he has won 25 titles, a record number for any Real Madrid player: 5 European Cups, 5 Club World Cups, 4 European Super Cups, 4 Leagues, 3 King's Cups and 4 Spanish Super Cups. CBS Sports soccer reporter James Benge revealed the initial interest from Saudi Arabia back in April and on Wednesday reported that Al-Ittihad believed they were on the cusp of landing the former Lyon man.