Karim Benzema bids farewell to Real Madrid. The French striker took to the stage in the auditorium of the Ciudad Real Madrid to officially put an end to his time as a Los Blancos player.

He leaves as the player with the most titles in the club's history (25, like Marcelo), as the club's second top scorer and an undeniable legend.

"Real Madrid will always be my family and I will always watch the games," Benzema said.

The French no.9 has always exuded talent on all fronts, guaranteeing goals and assists wherever he stepped on the pitch, and throughout his career exuding an aura of confidence that made his teammates better. There are many stars, but very few icons.

"My idea was to end up at Real Madrid, but in life sometimes another opportunity presents itself," Benzema said.

The French striker explained his surprising farewell, which caught the club and the fans by surprise, after making a decision together with his family.

"It was a good path in my life. I was lucky enough to fulfill a childhood dream thanks to the president. When I saw you I said 'he's the man who brought Ronaldo [Nazario] and [Zinedine] Zidane'. It's unbelievable. Today it's time for me to leave and to write another story. The most important thing for me is that everything I've won I've enjoyed as a child," said Karim, addressing Florentino Perez.

He also had a message of thanks for Carlo Ancelotti and the club's fans.

"Thanks also to Ancelotti, who gave me his confidence from the beginning," Benzema added. "I have learned a lot with you. It's a bit of a sad day because I'm leaving my club. I signed for Real Madrid and I wanted to retire here, but it didn't happen. I will always be a Real Madrid fan. Thanks also to the fans for always giving me that strength. Thank you all, really.

"And as I said on the first day.... 1, 2, 3--- Hala Madrid!"

The ceremony was also attended by members of the Board of Directors, coach Carlo Ancelotti, dressing room colleagues such as Luka Modric, Thibaut Courtois, Nacho Fernandez and Lucas Vazquez and other club legends such as Roberto Carlos, Arbeloa and Raul.