Real Madrid legend Karim Benzema responds to whether he regrets leaving Santiago Bernabeu
Karim Benzema recently answered a question about whether he regrets leaving Real Madrid. The Frenchman joined Saudi Pro League (SPL) club Al-Ittihad in the summer of 2023. He is a bona fide legend of the Spanish giants and was the club's attacking talisman during the last few seasons of his time there.
Benzema pointed out that it's how the cycle goes with some players arriving while others leave, adding that he enjoyed his time at Los Blancos. The Frenchman said (via Madrid Xtra on X):
"Some arrive and others leave. It's like that and it's always going to happen. It was time. Of course I look back and I feel joy."
Karim Benzema joined Real Madrid in 2009, the same summer as Cristiano Ronaldo. He didn't have the brightest start to his career at the club and often played as a back-up to Gonzalo Higuain.
With time, Benzema became the leading striker. However, his relationship with the fans blew hot and cold and the Frenchman was jeered on multiple occasions.
Benzema flipped the switch after Ronaldo's 2018 departure and became the main attacker. He left as the club's all-time second-highest goalscorer with 354 goals from 648 matches, as well as recording 165 assists.
From being a part of the famous BBC trio to forming a great partnership with Vinicius Junior, the Frenchman thrived for the most part. He won 25 trophies, including five UEFA Champions League titles and notably won the Ballon d'Or in 2022.
Karim Benzema has struggled for form since leaving Real Madrid
Al-Ittihad sent a message to their SPL rivals when they signed Karim Benzema in 2023. After winning the league in 2022-23, the Jeddah-based club further bolstered their ranks.
Benzema was Real Madrid's leading attacker at that point. However, he has struggled for form since the switch to the SPL, managing just 13 goals and eight assists in 29 appearances for his current club.
Relevo previously reported that Benzema has become disenchanted with life in Saudi Arabia. Further reports claimed Al-Ittihad fired Marcelo Gallardo due to his conflict with the Frenchman.