Just a few hours after having announced his departure of the real Madridafter 14 campaigns, the future of Karim Benzema it would already be solved. With 35 years on him, the French striker leaves the football elite to join the Al Ittihad, as announced this Sunday in Saudi Arabia. According to the Saudi state television Al Ijbariya, the current Ballon d’Or winner has already reached an official agreement with the Saudi club Al Ittihad to play in their ranks for the next two seasons. Although no more details have been known about the figure that will be paid to the former Merengue captain, it is estimated that he could earn around 100 million euros per year.
“The president of the Al Ittihad club, Anmar al Haeli, and the vice president, Ahmad al Kaaki, have arrived in the capital Madrid to officially sign a record agreement with Benzema”according to television, which clarified that Benzema will join Al Ittihad as a free agent.
Thus, the Frenchman joins the list of star players that Saudi Arabia is calling to its sports ranks after investing millions of euros in promoting his country for its opening to the world after decades isolated by its ultra-conservative vision.
Cristiano Ronaldo signed with the Al Nassr club last December and other stars could join the ranks of the Saudi clubs, with Lionel Messi being the one who is most likely to play next season in the Arab kingdom. According to the media, the Argentine would be very close to becoming a reinforcement for Al Hilal.
The legacy of Karim Benzema
Benzema is leaving Real Madrid, considered one of its great legends, a benchmark in a generation in the history of football that has won five Champions Leagues. He is the player with the most titles along with Brazilian Marcelo, with 25, the fifth who played the most games, with 647) and the second top scorer in the history of the white club with 353 goals, only behind Cristiano Ronaldo (450).
”Real Madrid CF and our captain Karim Benzema have agreed to end his brilliant and unforgettable period as a player for our club. Real Madrid wants to show its gratitude and all its love for someone who is already one of our greatest legends.”reads the statement from the club with which he fired the Frenchman.
Receives our newsletter: we will send you the best sports content, as Depor always does.