Madrid (EFE) ” was to retire in white but opting for “another opportunity” that opens up for him in Arab football.
“It is difficult to speak with a lot of emotions, but I wanted to thank Real Madrid and my teammates. It was a good path in my life, I have been lucky to be able to fulfill my dream as a child thanks to the president who, a long time ago, when I was 21 years old, went to my house with my parents”, he recalled with gratitude to Florentino Pérez.
“When I saw him I said, he is the man who has signed Zizou, Ronaldo and now he wants me on his team. Thank you very much, I will never forget Real Madrid, it is impossible, it is the best club in the world and in history, but I think that today is the time to leave, to see another story, ”he explained.
In his brief speech, Benzema confessed to having fulfilled his childhood dreams and repeated the phrase from his presentation fourteen years ago when he still did not speak Spanish. “The most important thing for me is what I have won at Real Madrid as a child. As I said the first day: one, two, three, Hala Madrid!
The 35-year-old French striker also had words of thanks to Carlo Ancelotti, who accompanied him at the farewell along with teammates such as Thibaut Courtois, Luka Modric, Lucas Vázquez and Nacho Fernández, as well as former players such as Roberto Carlos, Raúl González and Álvaro Arbeloa.
“Thanks to the coach, who has always given me a lot of confidence, from the beginning, and I will never forget him from a top coach with whom I have learned a lot”, he highlighted.
In the final part of his speech, Benzema briefly explained the reason for an unexpected goodbye. “I don’t have many words because it’s a little sad day, because it hurts me to leave the club. I had a dream, to sign and end up at Real Madrid, but in life there is another opportunity sometimes and I do it with my family”, he explained.
“I will always watch Real Madrid matches. Thanks to the fans for the push and for the strength to play good games. Thank you all really ”, he sentenced.