Karim Benzema joins Al-Ittihad Saudi club on a three-year deal after leaving Real Madrid. Karim Benzema who led Real Madrid in various competitions and lifted major trophies had left the Spanish club as a legend.
French striker Benzema, 35, won 25 trophies – including five Champions Leagues and four La Ligas – in 14 years with Madrid but they agreed to let him leave his contract a year early.
Saudi League is getting stronger and a hot topic in the current timeline as they are targeting high-profile players.
First Cristiano Ronaldo joined Al Nassr on a historic transfer fee and now Karim Benzema.
Karim Benzema Joins Al-Ittihad Saudi Club
Former French striker, Karim Benzema completes a deal of £258m with the Saudi Pro League club following his emotional farewell at Real Madrid.
On starting a new journey, Karim looked optimistic in a press conference and shared a good vibe. Speaking for the first time since his signing was announced, he told the club: ‘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, and 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 its level.
‘I am here to win like I did in Europe. I am excited to see you in Jeddah.’
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Last year, he led Real Madrid to lift the Champions League and for his outstanding performance, Karim Benzema also wins the Ballon D’O.
Karim made 648 appearances for Real Madrid ever since he joined the club in 2009. He has won a club-record 25 trophies during his time with the La Liga side. Not only that, he’s the second-highest goal scorer in Real Madrid history with 354 goals.
Leaving Real Madrid Hurts, Karim Benzema
On Tuesday, Karim Benzema made an official farewell appearance where he got emotional while speaking with the press.
“It’s a bit of a sad day because I am leaving this club, it hurts me, because I had a dream in my head—to sign for Madrid and finish at Madrid, but sometimes life gives you other opportunities,” said Benzema in a speech during his farewell at Madrid’s training ground.
“I will always watch Madrid’s games, and thanks to the fans too, who pushed me on to play good games.”
‘I was lucky enough to fulfill my childhood dream thanks to the president, who a long time ago, when I was just 21 years old, went to my house, with my parents.
‘When I saw you I said, he’s the man who brought Zizou and Ronaldo and now he wants me in his team. Thank you very much for that.
‘I’ll never forget Real Madrid because it is impossible. It’s the best club in the world and in history, that’s as good as it gets. It’s time for me to leave today and to have another story, but the most important thing for me is what I’ve won here.
‘It’s a little bit of a sad day because I’m leaving this club and that pains me. My dream was in my head, I signed for Madrid and I wanted to finish at Madrid, but life sometimes gives you another opportunity and I’ve taken it with all my family.’
Talking about leaving the club or football. A few days ago, Sweden legend Zlatan Ibrahimovic retired from football for good.
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