The last 24 hours have been filled with news about exit departures, but Real Madrid have dominated those announcements by revealing the names of four players who will not return to the team's discipline next season.
Following the exits of Marco Asensio, Mariano Díaz, and Eden Hazard, the club announced today that captain Karim Benzema will leave the club after a mutual agreement was reached between them.
"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. Real Madrid would like to show our gratitude and affection to a player who is already one of our greatest legends," the club wrote in a press release.
The footballer, who joined Real Madrid after his 21st birthday, will leave the Spanish giants as one of the most decorated players in team history, which is why the club has decided to give him the right to choose what will be the next step in his career out of gratitude for his contributions to the club.
"Karim Benzema's career at Real Madrid has been a shining example of conduct and professionalism, and he has represented the values of our club. Karim Benzema has earned the right to decide his future," the club added in the document announcing Benzema's departure.
Earlier in the weekend, coach Carlo Ancelotti had stated that Benzema was still under contract and that he would continue playing with the Spanish giants next season. It is yet to be revealed what happened between the club and the footballer that ended with Benzema's departure this Sunday.
The club have also announced that they will host a tribute for Benzema on June 6 at Real Madrid Sport City, an act where coach Florentino Pérez will address the media.