Karim Benzema, the French striker, has spoken about his move to the Saudi club Al-Ittihad. He addressed the media and shared his thoughts on this new chapter in his career.
During the remarks, he also referenced Cristiano Ronaldo, the Portuguese forward who plays for Al Nassr, another Saudi Pro League club. The two forwards once shared the field at Real Madrid, a period many fans remember fondly.
Al-Ittihad represents a fresh challenge for Benzema, one he describes as a high-quality league filled with talented players. He noted that Ronaldo is also in the same league and described him as a friend. The presence of Ronaldo, he said, demonstrates the Saudi Pro League’s rapid progress. Benzema added that his goal is to win, just as he did in Europe where he spent much of his career.
According to the deal, the 35-year-old striker will be tied to Al-Ittihad for three years. The arrangement places him among top earners, with reports stating he will receive around 200 million euros for the first two seasons of the contract.
Earlier this year, Real Madrid confirmed that Benzema would depart at the season’s end. In the previous campaign, he appeared in 23 matches, netting 18 goals and recording 3 assists. Real Madrid finished second in La Liga and won the Spanish Cup during that season, continuing a storied era for the club.
Over his 14 years with Real Madrid, Benzema collected 25 trophies, tallied 353 goals, and rose to the No. 2 spot on the club’s all-time scoring list. His tenure helped shape an era defined by consistent success and elite performances on the world stage.
Preceding the official confirmation, discussions circulated about Benzema’s transfer to Al-Ittihad, signaling the next phase of a long and celebrated career. The move marks a significant moment for both the player and the Saudi league, underscoring its appeal to established stars and its ongoing growth in international football.