Spanish midfielder Guti has announced that he is leaving Real Madrid after 25 years service at the club.

He also confirmed that Besiktas is a probably destination and is in talks with the Turkish club.

“I am leaving with the knowledge that the Real Madrid family loves me and that’s very important,” said Guti.

“It wasn’t an easy decision. But I have a good offer from Besiktas, an interesting one, now we’ll see.”

Guti joined Real in 1985 as part of the youth set-up and has won five La Liga titles as well as three Champions League titles.

Only Raul of the current Real squad has served longer, joining in 1995 and playing some 542 times scoring 86 times.

“They’re a lot of years and many (were) complicated but in the end I managed to achieve the most important things,” added Guti. “So many years here… an unforgettable stage (of my life).”

Along with Raul, who may also be on the verge of an emotional exit from the Bernabeu, with reports suggesting the 33-year-old will join German club Schalke, Guti is an iconic figure at Real.

“He is a special player who managed to surprise us in every game,” said managing director Jorge Valdano, who gave Guti his first call-up as coach. “A true Madridista. Today is a sad day because one of our own is leaving.”

Should Guti move to Besiktas he will be coached by his former Real Madrid boss Bernd Schuster.

Jon Osterland