FanNation Futbol

Karim Benzema Poses With Al-Ittihad Jersey After Completing Transfer To Saudi Pro League

Karim Benzema has completed his transfer to Al-Ittihad from Real Madrid. Benzema posed with an Al-Ittihad jersey and gave his first interview in Saudi Arabia.

Robert Summerscales

Karim Benzema Poses With Al-Ittihad Jersey After Completing Transfer To Saudi Pro League
Karim Benzema Poses With Al-Ittihad Jersey After Completing Transfer To Saudi Pro League /

Karim Benzema has said he is "here to win" after moving to Saudi Arabia to join Al-Ittihad.

The French striker has signed a three-year contract with Al-Ittihad that is said to be worth $107 million net per annum.

Benzema, 35, has joined the reigning Saudi Pro League champions but competition for next season's title is expected to be fierce.

Cristiano Ronaldo's Al Nassr will be among the favorites, as will Al-Hilal, who are keen to sign Lionel Messi this summer.

In addition to competing for domestic supremacy, Benzema and Al-Ittihad will play in the FIFA Club World Cup in December.

Benzema completed his free transfer from Real Madrid to Al-Ittihad on Tuesday and was later pictured holding up his new team's jersey.

In his first interview as an Al-Ittihad player, Benzema told the club's official website: "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 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."

Benzema had said an emotional goodbye to Real earlier on Tuesday.

Speaking at his farewell ceremony in Madrid, he said: "It really hurts, it's not easy, I really wanted to retire here, but sometimes directions change."

Benzema and Ronaldo played alongside each other for nine seasons at Real from 2009 to 2018.

Ronaldo scored 450 goals during his Real career before leaving in 2018.

Benzema became the main man in Madrid following Ronaldo's departure and scored 161 goals in his final five seasons with Real.

Ronaldo is said to be earning roughly twice as much as Benzema in Saudi Arabia.

Published
Robert Summerscales
ROBERT SUMMERSCALES

Robert Summerscales launched FanNation Futbol in February 2022. Rob is a British journalist who previously spent two years on the sports desk at the Daily Mail in London, having earlier served as editor of CaughtOffside.com. He has been to the last two FIFA Men's World Cups, in Russia and Qatar, and is looking forward to completing his hat-trick in North America in 2026.

Home/News