French International and forward, Karim Benzema has claimed he “really wanted to retire” at Real Madrid.

During a goodbye ceremony held by the La Liga heavyweights on Tuesday, the French striker made this statement.

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.”

After 14 years at the Bernabeu, Benzema is about to join Saudi Arabian champions Al-Ittihad.

This summer, he will agree to a £258 million, three-year contract.