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Karim Benzema gets deafening reception at Al-Ittihad unveiling as ex-Real Madrid star holds Ballon d’Or aloft to frenzied Saudi crowd.
When Karim Benzema was introduced as the club’s newest signing, yelling Al-Ittihad supporters cheered him on like a hero.
The King Abdullah Sports City stadium went crazy for their new star on Thursday when the French striker wore the Al-Ittihad shirt and held aloft his 2022 Ballon d’Or.
The 35-year-old left Real Madrid at the conclusion of his contract and this week signed a three-year deal with the Saudi champions. He is expected to make over €200 million (£172 million/$213 million) each season in the Middle East.
Next season, the attacker will aim to lead the Jeddah squad to a second straight Saudi Pro League championship.
Watch the video below;
The ballon d'or is brightening up the stadium 🤩🔥#Benzema2Ittihad pic.twitter.com/iSFmuPFWNw
— Ittihad Club (@ittihad_en) June 8, 2023
Recall, The player has explained why he turned down a new Real Madrid deal in favour of joining Al-Ittihad in the Saudi Pro League.
“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.