Benzema is leaving / Aitor Alcalde Colomer/GettyImages
Real Madrid have confirmed striker Karim Benzema will leave the club this summer upon the expiry of his contract.
The 35-year-old's future had been up in the air for the past week after interest in his services from Saudi Arabia, and after initially leaning towards making the move to the Middle East, Benzema was believed to have been swayed into staying with Real for another season at least.
However, further talks with Real have led to an agreement for Benzema to leave the club this summer.
"Real Madrid CF and our captain Karim Benzema have agreed to end his brilliant and unforgettable period as a player for our club," a club statement read.
"Real Madrid wants to show its gratitude and all its affection for who is already one of our greatest legends.
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"Karim Benzema's career at Real Madrid has been an example of behaviour and professionalism, and has represented the values ??of our club. 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.
"Real Madrid is and will always be his home, and he wishes him and all his family the best in this new phase of his life.
"Next Tuesday, June 6, at 12:00 noon, an institutional act of tribute and farewell to Karim Benzema will take place at Real Madrid City, with the presence of our president Florentino Perez."
Benzema, who joined Real from Lyon in the summer of 2009, has racked up 353 goals and 165 assists in his 647 appearances for Los Blancos, and he could add to that tally in his final outing against Athletic Club on Sunday.
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