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Why I decided to join Cristiano Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia — Benzema.
Karim Benzema has explained why he turned down a new Real Madrid deal in favour of joining Al-Ittihad in the Saudi Pro League.
Former Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema has finalized his big-money move to Saudi club Al Ittihad, and the 35-year-old has revealed why he made the move.
“Al Ittihad is a new challenge for me. It’s a good league and there are many good players.
“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.
W E L C O M E !
B E N Z E M A 💪💪 pic.twitter.com/Oc9IK4OoDj— Ittihad Club (@ittihad_en) June 6, 2023
The Ballon D’Or winner will allegedly earn €200 million per year with Al-Ittihad and has signed a two-year contract with the possibility of an additional year.
Benzema departs Real Madrid as the club’s fifth-highest appearance holder (648) and second-highest scorer (354).
He scored his farewell goal for Los Blancos in Sunday’s 1-1 draw at home against Athletic Club, capping up his 14-year tenure in Spain in style.
According to reports, Real Madrid will increase their interest in Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane in Benzema’s place. The England captain has one year left on his Spurs deal.