JEDDAH: Karim Benzema has signed with Saudi Professional League (SPL) champions Al-Ittihad, we learned on Tuesday.
Golden Ball, is it? One of the best strikers of the modern eraHe has agreed an initial three-year contract, according to the club.
The French star underwent a medical in Madrid and is expected to be unveiled by the Jeddah giants later this week.
Benzema won 24 titles with Real Madrid, including four meetings in the Spanish League, three King’s Cups and five meetings in the Champions League. He is the club’s second top scorer, behind Cristiano Ronaldo.
French footballer with pick 97 He is also the current UEFA Player of the Year. He last played in Saudi Arabia at the beginning of the year, for Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Final.
“I am very excited to discover a new football league in a different country. Al-Ittihad has an amazing history, incredibly passionate fans and huge ambitions in football to become one of the top clubs in Asia after winning the league. I have had the opportunity to accomplish extraordinary things in my career and achieve all that I have I can in Spain and Europe.”
“I think the time has come to take on a new challenge and implement a new project. During each of my visits to Saudi Arabia, I have always felt great warmth and love from the fans and the people.”
He continued, “I look forward to joining my new team-mates and helping to take this great club and football in Saudi Arabia to new heights with them.”
Reunion in heaven
And he said in his first interview as a player in Al-Ittihad, which will be published on the club’s social networking sites: “It is a new challenge for me, a new life, and I can’t wait to start training myself. I will do everything to win titles, to score, to show my talent, to please the fans, and for the club, And the boss – everyone.
“It’s a good league and there are a lot of good players. My friend Cristiano Ronaldo It is already there, which indicates that Saudi Arabia is beginning to make progress. I’m here to win, just like I did in Europe. I look forward to seeing you in Jeddah.”
This season, Al-Ittihad, led by Nuno Espirito Santo, won their ninth SPL title, their first since 2009. The title qualifies them for the FIFA Club World Cup, which will be held in December.
“Signing the current Golden Ball for Real Madrid is another historic sign for this special club,” said Al-Ittihad club president Anmar bin Abdullah Al-Haila.
Karim is a world famous soccer player, he attracts a lot of spectators and he is at his peak. He joins a hugely competitive club and league in a country with big ambitions both on and off the field.”
We know all eyes will be on him and we look forward to seeing him wear number 9 for Al-Ittihad next season, as we prepare for a very exciting challenge: defending our title, competing with Asian teams and playing for the world. Club World Cup stage”, launched by the club president.
“When you start winning trophies, you attract fans and fans, especially among the younger ones. Having a player like Karim Benzema will have a positive impact on the sports sector and bring fans to the streets.”
He added that the fans “from now on will wear Karim’s jersey and try to move as he does on the pitch”, before concluding: “I assure you that these will be very beautiful moments, historic moments. Welcome Karim!”
This text is a translation of an article published on Arabnews.com
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