BREAKING: Karim Benzema is leaving Real Madrid

Real Madrid have announced that Karim Benzema will leave the club a year early, after huge speculation about the striker's future.

Benzema signed for the club in 2009 and has become their second all time top goalscorer behind only Cristiano Ronaldo. His contract was due to expire next season but a statement confirmed he will leave this summer instead.

In the statement on their website the club said: "Real Madrid CF and our captain Karim Benzema have agreed to end his brilliant and unforgettable period as a player for our club.

"Real Madrid wants to show its gratitude and all its affection for who is already one of our greatest legends.

"Karim Benzema arrived at our club in 2009, at just 21 years of age, and has been a fundamental player in this golden age of our history. During the fourteen seasons in which he has defended our shield and our shirt, he has won 25 titles, a record number for Real Madrid: 5 European Cups, 5 Club World Cups, 4 European Super Cups, 4 Leagues, 3 Copas del Rey and 4 Spanish Super Cups.

"...Karim Benzema's career at Real Madrid has been an example of behavior and professionalism, and has represented the values ​​of our club. Karim Benzema has earned the right to decide his future.

"Madridistas and all the fans around the world have enjoyed his magical and unique football, which has made him one of the great myths of our club and one of the great legends of world football.

"Real Madrid is and will always be his home, and he wishes him and all his family the best in this new phase of his life."

The club also confirmed that a farewell and tribute to the Frenchman will be held on Tuesday at the club, with president Florentino Perez in attendance.

Benzema is the current Ballon d'Or holder. Image: Alamy

Benzema arrived at the Bernabeu from Lyon in a historical summer at Los Blancos, in which they twice broke the world record for a transfer fee.

First Kaka was signed from AC Milan and then Ronaldo broke the record a second time as he joined from Manchester United, with Xabi Alonso also joining.

The Frenchman was more often a foil for Ronaldo in the early part of his career but he has really been the main man since the Portugal star left.

His performances last season in the Champions League run earned him the title as the greatest player in the world, winning the Ballon d'Or.

He is now expected to join Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia to make similar money to his former teammate, though they won't be at the same club.

Benzema ends his time in the Spanish capital with 353 goals in 647 appearances.