Karim Benzema is officially unveiled as an Al-Ittihad player in front of 60,000 fans – bringing his Ballon d’Or – as the Frenchman claims he wants to play in Saudi Arabia because ‘it’s a Muslim country’
- Karim Benzema was officially unveiled on Thursday as a player of Al-Ittihad
- The Frenchman decided to leave Real Madrid for a move to the Middle East
- He explained that the decision to move to Saudi Arabia was motivated by religion
Karim Benzema has been officially unveiled in front of 60,000 supporters at King Abdullah Sport City Stadium after joining Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad.
The Frenchman became the second superstar to move to the Middle East, following in the footsteps of his former Real Madrid teammate Cristiano Ronaldo.
Benzema was announced to a cheering crowd that greeted the 35-year-old’s arrival in the country and graced the number nine shirt as he walked onto the pitch.
The announcement began with Benzema attending a press conference where questions were asked in English and the striker responded with answers in French that were then translated.
Benzema joined a three-year contract worth £258 million and revealed that his move to Saudi Arabia was inspired by his Muslim religion, not the abundance of money he was being offered.
Karim Benzema (center) was officially unveiled as an Al-Ittihad player on Friday afternoon
The Frenchman has joined Saudi Arabia on a three-year deal after deciding to leave Real Madrid
Benzema explained to the crowd that came to watch his announcement that he wants to play in Saudi Arabia because of his Muslim faith
‘Because I’m a Muslim and it’s a Muslim country. I’ve always wanted to live there. I have already been to Saudi Arabia and I have a good feeling about it,” said Benzema.
“For me it’s where I want to be… I hope for my new club, what I can bring is my football and above all to be able to win titles.
“It’s a new chapter for me and I want to help the club move forward. It is a club with a lot of passion.’
Benzema is Muslim and now plays in the “holy kingdom” where Islam is practiced by 90 percent of the population.
The goalscorer brought his Ballon d’Or award to the procession and was encouraged to show it off to Al-Ittihad supporters gathered at the stadium.
A light show illuminated his initials next to the number nine to celebrate being awarded the jersey number, the same number he adopted during a glorious period of success in Madrid.
Benzema scored 354 goals in 648 games and won a club record 25 trophies during his time at LaLiga.
On his departure from Spain, he said at a farewell press conference: “I will never forget Real Madrid, because that is impossible.
The Frenchman (left) unveiled his Ballon d’Or to the public at King Abdullah Sport City Stadium
Benzema (pictured) is the second high-profile star to move to the Saudi Pro League after Cristiano Ronaldo
‘It’s hard to talk. There are so many emotions. I wanted to thank Real Madrid and my teammates. It has been a good journey in my life.
“I was lucky enough to fulfill my childhood dream thanks to the president, who came to my house a long time ago, when I was only 21 years old, with my parents.
A supporter in the audience held up one of Benzema’s previous Real Madrid shirts
“When I saw you I said: he is the man who brought Zizou and Ronaldo and now he wants me in his team. Thank you very much for that.
“I will never forget Real Madrid because it is impossible. It’s the best club in the world and in history, as good as it gets. It’s time for me to leave today and have a different story, but the most important thing for me is what I gained here.
“It’s a bit of a sad day because I’m going to leave this club and it hurts me. My dream was in my head, I signed for Madrid and I wanted to finish in Madrid, but life sometimes gives you another chance and I took it with my whole family.’
Benzema joined from Lyon in 2009, winning four LaLiga titles and five Champions League crowns. He also won the 2022 Ballon d’Or.