Benzema: “Thanks for all these years; I'll never forget it”

Karim Benzema spoke to Realmadrid TV following the emotional tribute and farewell ceremony held at Real Madrid City: "It's been a long journey. Real Madrid has given me all the love I could have had, because I left my family when I was 21 and found another family here. Thank you to the president, who has always supported me, and thanks to the fans too, who have given me so much love. When I look back, all the trophies, all the magical nights at the Bernabéu, I'll never forget it".

"I never imagined I would win so many trophies, but I imagined playing for Madrid, scoring goals and trying to create magic on the pitch. I did that. And I have had the opportunity to win a lot of trophies here. It's the all time best club for me. Since I was a kid I wanted to do great things in football. From the beginning to the end I always wanted to do good things for the people".

Message to the fans
"Thank you very much for so many years, thank you very much for the magical nights at the Bernabéu and, as I've always said: one, two, three... Hala Madrid!