Karim Benzema departs Al-Hilal as retirement from professional soccer looms

Karim Benzema is a free agent after mutually parting ways with Al-Hilal with immediate effect. The 38-year-old striker ended his tenure with the Saudi club after joining in January. According to media personality Waleed Al-Farraj, Benzema rejected offers to join Al-Shabab or return to Al-Ittihad. Retirement remains a primary option for the former Real Madrid forward, who continues to serve as an ambassador for Saudi tourism. A return to European club soccer is not currently under consideration. The vacancy at Al-Hilal follows reports that the club expects to sign forward Ollie Watkins from Aston Villa for sixty million euros.

• 11:31 PMYahoo Sports — Karim Benzema terminates Al-Hilal contract as Saudi rejection sparks stunning retirement possibility