It really hurts, I wanted to retire at Real Madrid – Benzema breaks silence on exit

Karim Benzema has claimed he “really wanted to retire” at Real Madrid.

The French striker stated this during a farewell ceremony organized by the La Liga giants on Tuesday.

During the event, Benzema said: “It really hurts, it’s not easy, I really wanted to retire here but sometimes directions change.

“I’ll always be watching Madrid games and I will always support Real Madrid, the best club in the world. Real Madrid will always be my family.”

Benzema is set to join Saudi Arabian champions Al-Ittihad after 14 years at the Bernabeu.

He will sign a three-year contract worth £258 million this summer.