Karim Benzema in Al-Ittihad, it's signed. The Saudi club has posted a video on its social networks to announce the arrival of the tricolor international (35 years old, 97 caps), released from any contract by Real Madrid.
"I can't wait to see you in Jeddah," says the former Lyonnais in the presentation video. We also see him posing with his new tunic on which he is inscribed “2026”. Benzema has signed a three-year lease. “Whenever I have visited Saudi Arabia, I have always felt such warmth and love from the fans and the people. I look forward to joining my new team-mates and, together with them, helping this extraordinary club and football in Saudi Arabia reach new heights."
"Benzema's arrival is the most impactful transfer in the club's history to date," Al-Ittihad enthused in its statement. It also marks an important milestone in the Saudi Pro League's journey to becoming one of the premier destinations in world football, having enjoyed its biggest season in recent months.”
Anmar Bin Abdullah Alhailae, president of the club, for his part considers that Benzema is "an icon of world football, at the top of his game".
The Ballon d'Or 2022 said goodbye this Tuesday to Real Madrid where he spent 14 seasons. The opportunity for President Florentino Perez and a handful of teammates to pay tribute to the second top scorer in club history (354 goals in 648 matches).
"It's hard to speak with so many emotions, but I wanted to thank Real Madrid and my teammates," Benzema said. It is time for me to leave and know another story”.