Real Madrid News
Official: Karim Benzema leaves Real Madrid
The final decision has been made. Karim Benzema has decided to leave Real Madrid at the end of the season on a free transfer, after a brilliant 14 years, laiden with multiple trophies, as confirmed by the club.
“Karim Benzema came to our club in 2009, when he was only 21 years old, and has been a fundamental player in this golden age of our history,” the official statement read about the player.
The Frenchman has had one foot out of the Santiago Bernabeu since the start of the week, when rumours about Saudi Arabia’s mammoth came in. Al-Ittihad have offered the player upwards of €400 million for his signature across two years, including other benefits.
Benzema took his time before making the final decision, and had even hinted at continuing at the club, but it seems Real Madrid could not convince him to stay.
The statement also confirms that Madrid will host a farewell ceremony for Benzema next Tuesday, June the 6th. He will play his final match for Real Madrid today, as they host Athletic Club at home.
Real Madrid News
Bellingham on his special assist in Girona 0-3 Real Madrid: “Been watching Luka every day”
Real Madrid usurped the top spot in the La Liga standings from arch-rivals FC Barcelona as they defeated Girona 3-0 away at Estadi Montilivi.
It was a fine performance from Carlo Ancelotti’s men against Michel’s side, with the returning Jude Bellingham leading the way for his team.
After being benched against Las Palmas in midweek, the England international returned to the starting XI today and turned in yet another Man of the Match display for Real Madrid.
It all started with Joselu opening the scoring just 15 minutes into the game, with Bellingham assisting the goal with a special, outside-of-the-boot pass from the left side, bringing back memories of Luka Modric doing something similar a few years ago.
Talking about that special pass, Bellingham said: “I’ve been watching Luka every day for months. I just want to be creative. It took the pressure off us at the start.”
On the match and the result, the 20-year-old stated that it was a good day across the board for Real Madrid, as he said: “It was an important win. They were doing very well. We made a statement of intent to La Liga. Three goals, a clean sheet….”
It has been a truly remarkable start to life at Real Madrid for Bellingham and expressing how he feels to play for the Merengues, he exclaimed:
“I feel very good. I have freedom of movement and I’m enjoying football. Whenever I put on this shirt I always try to do my best.”
Apart from assisting Joselu’s opener, Bellingham also got his name on the scoresheet in the second period. Talking about his goal, the wonderkid said:
“It wasn’t a very good finish. I could have scored some more, but the important thing is the victory.”
The strike meant that Bellingham now has seven goals and two assists across all competitions for Real Madrid. Reflecting on his brilliant start, he said:
“It’s a good start, not bad. I would like to continue on this path and I won’t always score or assist, but I will always give my best.”
Bellingham’s celebration has been a huge hit, with kids in school, players from other clubs, and many others mimicking it. When asked how his special celebration originated, he replied:
“I don’t know where I first celebrated. I think it was with Birmingham. It’s an inspiration to see kids doing it in schools. It’s a wonderful thing.”
Source: AS
