Raphael Varane has branded Karim Benzema a 'legend' after it was announced the striker would be leaving Real Madrid this summer.
The Manchester United defender played alongside the Los Blancos icon for 10 seasons between 2011 and 2021 prior to his move to Old Trafford. The pair also represented France together on the international stage.
Benzema leaves the Bernabeu after 14 years with 354 goals in 648 matches having won five Champions Leagues, four La Liga titles and three Copa del Reys among a plethora of trophies. He was last year’s Balon d’Or winner too. Taking to Instagram, Raphael Varane paid tribute to former teammate Benzema.
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He wrote: “Goals, memories, trophies and respect. One word above all… Legend. Good luck in your next chapter, frérot [iron] @karimbenzema.”
In the wake of Benzema’s exit, Madrid are now being linked with United top target Harry Kane. United are currently exploring other striker options after Tottenham signalled their stubbornness over a sale.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti admitted he was surprised by Benzema’s decision.
"It was a last-minute decision," said the Italian. "Yesterday he trained normally and today he made this decision. I spoke to him this morning and he said that he was leaving and I understood it. He has done very well with me in these four years and also at the club. For that all my thanks.”
In April last year, Sir Alex Ferguson revealed United tried to sign Benzema using the money received for Cristiano Ronaldo in 2009, before the Frenchman opted to join the Portugal star at Madrid.
He said: "We tried to spend it on Karim Benzema as, at 21, I felt that there would be an improvement there. He is tough, good physique, a good goal scoring record, so it was worth going a wee bit extra for him because of his age. But when it went to £42m, it was beyond his value. We went to £35m and I think that was fair."
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