Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ittihad club has officially announced the signing of former Real Madrid player, Karim Benzema. The Ballon d’Or holder will join the club in an initial three year contract.
The French professional footballer has undergone a medical test in Madrid and is set to join Jeddah-based Al-Ittihad. This marks another huge step in the Saudi Pro League’s journey to become one of the leading football destination in the world following the signing of Christiano Ronaldo to Al-Nassr.
Al-Ittihad Club: Benzema’s new challenge in Saudi Arabia
Karim Benzema said, “I am excited to experience a new football league in a different country. Al-Ittihad Club has an amazing history, incredibly passionate fans and big ambitions in football to be a force in Asia after winning the league. I have been fortunate to achieve amazing things in my career and achieve everything I can in Spain and Europe. It now feels the time is right for a new challenge and project. Every time I’ve visited Saudi Arabia I’ve always felt such warmth and love from the fans and people. I am looking forward to joining my new teammates and, together with them, help take this amazing club and the game in Saudi Arabia to new levels.”
In his first exclusive interview as an Al-Ittihad Club player, he said, “It’s a new challenge for me, a new life and I can’t wait to start training. I will do everything to win trophies, to score, to show my talent, to satisfy the fans, the club, the President – everyone. It’s a good league and there are many good players. Cristiano Ronaldo is already there, a friend which shows Saudi Arabia is starting to further progress it’s level. I am here to win, like I did in Europe. I am excited to see you in Jeddah.”
Al-Ittihad has qualified for this December’s 20th FIFA Club World Cup.
During the signing of the contract on Monday morning which took place in Madrid, Anmar Bin Abdullah Alhailae, the club’s president said, “To sign the current Ballon d’Or holder from Real Madrid is another historic milestone for this special club. Karim is global football icon, he’s box office and very much at the top of his powers. He joins a club and hugely competitive league – in a country with big ambitions both on and off the pitch. We know all eyes will be on him and can’t wait to see him in the number 9 shirt of Al-Ittihad Club next season as we face an incredibly exciting challenge to defend our title, compete in Asia and play on the global state of the FIFA Club World Cup.”
“When you start winning championships, you attract fans and admirers, especially from the younger generations. Having a player like Karim Benzema, you’ll see, will have a sporting affect and presence on the streets, they will start wearing Karim’s shirt, they will try to move like his does on the pitch. I assure you, these will be very beautiful and historic moments. Welcome Karim!” he added.
Benzema has won 24 trophies with Real Madrid including four La Ligas and five UEFA Champions League titles.
His last match in Saudi was at the start of the year, leading Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup final.
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