Former Real Madrid striker, Karim Benzema has spoken for the first time since he signed for Al-Ittihad, explaining why he made the decision.
The 35-year-old’s move to the Saudi Arabian side was officially confirmed on Tuesday evening.
Benzema will now play in the Middle East after 14 years with the La Liga giants.
‘Al Ittihad is a new challenge for me. It’s a good league and there are many good players.’
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‘Cristiano Ronaldo is already here, he is a friend who shows that Saudi Arabia is starting to get ahead and I am here to win as I did in Europe,’ Benzema said.
In a farewell message, Real Madrid said;
‘Real Madrid and our captain Karim Benzema have agreed to bring to an end to his brilliant and unforgettable time as a player at our club,” read a club statement put out on Sunday.
‘Real Madrid would like to show its gratitude and affection to the man who is already one of our greatest legends.
‘Karim Benzema joined our club in 2009, at just 21 years of age, and has been a fundamental player in this golden era of our history.
‘During the 14 seasons in which he has defended our badge and our shirt, he has won 25 titles, a record number for Real Madrid: five European Cups, five Club World Cups, four UEFA Super Cups, four LaLiga titles, three Copa del Rey titles and four Spanish Super Cups.
‘Karim Benzema is the current Ballon d’Or and UEFA Player of the Year, as well as being included in the FIFA FIFPRO XI and winning the Pichichi Trophy 2022.
‘These awards were received after one of the most extraordinary seasons in our history, especially in the Champions League, in which our captain produced memorable performances that contributed to Real Madrid winning the 14th European Cup in Paris, while he was the top scorer of this competition with 15 goals.
‘Karim Benzema is the player who has worn our shirt the fifth-most times with 647 appearances, and is Real Madrid’s second all-time top scorer with 353 goals.
‘He is also Real Madrid’s second all-time top scorer in both LaLiga and the European Cup. He is also the fourth top scorer in the history of the Champions League and the fourth top scorer in the history of LaLiga.
‘Karim Benzema’s career at Real Madrid has been an example of behaviour and professionalism, and has represented the values of our club.
‘Karim Benzema has earned the right to decide his future.
‘Madridistas and fans all around the world have enjoyed his magical and unique football, which has made him one of the great legends of our club and one of the great legends of world football.’
Africa Today News, New York reports that Benzema will earn almost €200m per season net salary with commercial deals included.