Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema has decided to part ways from his club after the end of a glittering era in the world of football.

The 35-year-old played for the Spanish club for 14 years.

Confirming the development, Real Madrid said in a statement: "Real Madrid Football Club and our captain Karim Benzema have agreed to bring his brilliant and unforgettable time as a player at our club to a close."

"Karim Benzema joined our club in 2009, at just 21 years of age, and has been a fundamental player in this golden age of our history," read the club statement.

"During the fourteen seasons in which he has represented our badge and our shirt, he has won 25 titles, a record number for any Real Madrid player: 5 European Cups, 5 Club World Cups, 4 European Super Cups, 4 Leagues, 3 King's Cups and 4 Spanish Super Cups," read the statement.

Karim Benzema is the current UEFA Ballon d'Or and UEFA Player of the Year, as well as being included in the FIFA FIFPRO XI and winning the Pichichi Trophy 2022.

Awards received after one of the most extraordinary seasons in our history, especially in the Champions League, in which our captain played some memorable matches that contributed to Real Madrid winning their 14th European Cup in Paris, being the top scorer of the competition with 15 goals.

Karim Benzema is the fifth player who has worn our shirt the most times with 647 appearances, and is Real Madrid's second all-time top scorer with 353 goals.

He is also Real Madrid's second all-time top scorer in both La Liga and the European Cup.

He is also the fourth top scorer in the history of the Champions League and the fourth top scorer in the history of La Liga.