Karim Benzema Joins Al-Ittihad From Real Madrid
Ballon d’Or winner, Karim Benzema has joined Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ittihad on a three years contract, starting next season, a source in the Jeddah-based club told AFP on Tuesday.
“Benzema has signed a contract for his transfer to Al-Ittihad for a three-year period starting next season,” the source said.
The announcement comes days after Real Madrid announced that the 35-year-old was leaving the club after 14 seasons, the day after coach Carlo Ancelotti had said there was “no doubt” Benzema’s future was in the Spanish capital.
Benzema is in line to join Cristiano Ronaldo in the Gulf kingdom after the Portuguese five-time world player of the year moved to Al Nassr from Manchester United following last year’s World Cup.
Benzema joined Madrid in 2009 from Ligue 1 side Lyon.
He made 647 appearances for Madrid and is the second on Real’s all-time goalscoring list with 353 – only Cristiano Ronaldo has more.
He has lifted five Champions Leagues, four La Liga titles, and three Copas del Rey with Madrid and is the holder of the Ballon d’Or for the world’s best player.
