Karim Benzema has joined Saudi Arabia champions Al Ittihad after leaving Real Madrid.
The French forward announced his departure from the Spanish club last weekend, bringing a 14-year spell to an end where he won LaLiga on four occasions and the Champions League five times.
Al Ittihad are managed by former Wolves and Tottenham boss Nuno Espirito Santo and finished five points ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr – who finished second – last season.
Benzema: I’ll never forget Real Madrid
Benzema said farewell to Real Madrid in a small, private ceremony closed to fans and media on Tuesday after choosing to leave the club.
“I will never forget Real Madrid,” said Benzema. “It’s impossible. It’s the best club in history but I think today is the time to leave and to get to know another story.
“It’s difficult to talk with so many feelings but I wanted to thank Real Madrid and my team-mates. It was a good path in my life. I have been lucky enough to fulfil my childhood dream.”
Benzema scored 354 goals during 14 years at Real and sits second on the club’s all-time scoring list behind Cristiano Ronaldo.
Benzema: “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”.
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez told Benzema: “You have been an example of behaviour and professionalism in our club.
“You have earned the right to decide your destiny. A future that only belongs to you and we must respect it.”
The Saudi Arabia champions announced his arrival from Real Madrid on a three years deal on Tuesday evening.
The 35-year-old will join the Saudi Arabia champions Al Ittihad, managed by Nuno Espirito Santo; Al Ittihad finished five points ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr
