"It's the best club in the world and in history"

LaLiga: Benzema leads a day of byes 2:55

(CNN Spanish) — French striker Karim Benzema officially said goodbye to Real Madrid this Tuesday in a tribute and farewell ceremony organized by the merengue club.

The event, held at Real Madrid City a couple of days after the official announcement of his departure from the clubit was full of emotional moments, applause and standing ovations for Benzema.

In your parting words, Benzema Clear and concise: “I’ll never forget Real Madrid because it’s impossible. It’s the best club in the world and in history, it’s gone.”

“It was a beautiful journey in my life. I was lucky to fulfill my dream as a child”, Benzema added in his farewell speech, and recalled that Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez brought him to the club when he was just 21 years old.

The French striker offered more words, such as those posted on his Twitter account, where he once again thanked Pérez, his teammates, the team’s staff and all the fans.

“Their unconditional support and trust in me have been essential to my development as a player and as a man. Even if I leave Real Madrid, I will always carry a part of this club in my heart. Real Madrid will always be an integral part of my life and will continue to follow the successes of this extraordinary team.

“I bid farewell with a deep feeling of gratitude and an emotional farewell. Hala Madrid!” wrote Benzema.

The 35-year-old French striker will leave as a free agent at the end of the season and join Saudi Arabia’s Al Ittihad, signing a two-year contract worth more than €100 million ($106.93 million), according to media reports. , according to Reuters.

Karim Benzema He played his last match for Real Madrid This Sunday, June 4, in a match corresponding to the last date of La Liga in Spain.

The match was a 1-1 draw against Athletic Bilbao. Although it didn’t end in victory, Benzema was able to salute with a goal, the equalizer, in front of his fans at the Santiago Bernabéu stadium.

The Frenchman says goodbye after 14 years at Real Madrid, in which he won, among other things, 25 titles and a Ballon d’Or.