Saudi Arabia Champions Al Ittihad Signs Karim Benzema
Saudi Arabia champions Al Ittihad have completed the signing of Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema on a three-year contract after the French striker’s departure from Real Madrid as a free agent, the club announced.
Benzema, who ended a 14-year spell at Real Madrid his week, won the Ballon d’Or award for the best men’s player in the world in 2022 and he looked set to stay at the Real Madrid for one more year.
However, an offer from Saudi Arabia made him rethink his decision to stay in Spain for a final season, with the striker deciding to void the one-year extension clause he had in his contract.
🚨 Introducing our newest superstar, Karim @Benzema! Ready to light up our stadium soon ⚽️💥 #Benzema2Ittihad#here2inspireKSA pic.twitter.com/XSQcyRghpO
— Ittihad Club (@ittihad_en) June 6, 2023
“I am excited to experience a new football league in a different country. I have been fortunate to achieve amazing things in my career and achieve everything I can in Spain and Europe,” Benzema said.
“It now feels the time is right for a new challenge and project … I am looking forward to joining my new team mates and, together with them, help take this amazing club and the game in Saudi Arabia to new levels.”
Benzema becomes the latest big-name player to head to Saudi Arabia as he joined Al Ittihad after Portuguese sensation Cristiano Rolando, who joined Al Nassr in December 2022.
Having joined Real Madrid in 2009 from Olympique Lyonnais, Benzema became the spearhead of the club’s attack after Ronaldo left to Juventus in 2018, winning the Champions League five times and the LaLiga title four times.
He had his best season with the Spanish giants in the 2021-2022 season when he scored 44 goals in all competitions, leading the club to a record-extending 14th European title as well as the Spanish LaLiga crown.
Benzema now joins Al-Ittihad, who clinched the Saudi Pro League title for the first time since 2009 last month.
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