Former France and Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema has left Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal after just six months.
The Riyadh-based club announced on Monday the 38-year-old’s contract, which had a year left to run, has been terminated by mutual agreement.
The news came a day after Al Hilal completed the £51 million ($69m) signing of England forward Ollie Watkins from Aston Villa.
A club statement read: “Al Hilal Club Company and French player Karim Benzema have mutually agreed to terminate their contractual relationship, bringing his time with Al Hilal’s first football team to an end.”
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The club also expressed its “appreciation for Benzema’s contributions during his time with the team, as well as the professionalism, commitment and leadership” on and off the pitch.
Benzema, a five-time Champions League victor with Real Madrid and winner of the Ballon d’Or in 2022, joined Al Hilal in February after a spell with fellow Saudi side Al Ittihad.
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His future is unclear, though there has been speculation he could retire.
