The Ballon D'or winner recently joined Saudi Pro League side, Al-Ittihad, let us know when will his next chapter begin.
Karim Benzema recently completed a transfer to Al-Ittihad, a team in the Saudi Pro League. The French striker agreed to a three-year contract that will keep him at the club until 2026. According to reports, Benzema’s earnings for this period will amount to an astounding £643 million, which averages to approximately £471,000 per day. The former Real Madrid man is one of the best strikers in the world and won the Ballon d’Or in 2022 by leading Los Blancos to a historic 14th UEFA Champions League title.
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When asked why he chose to move to Saudi Arabia, the former Real Madrid striker told the club’s media channel: “Well, because I’m muslim and this is a muslim country, and I have always wanted to live here.” He also added, “I’m so ready to show my talent in this new challenge, there are so many big names play here in this league – Cristiano Ronaldo and now me,” he said. “So, it’s very important to show that Saudi football can have a global impact, because it’s not only about playing well here, I should bring the success I managed to achieve in Europe and play the same way I used to do with Real Madrid.”
Now, the 35-year-old’s future now lies in the Middle East, where he is expected to face his former teammate Cristiano Ronaldo, whose Al-Nassr side came up short in the Saudi Pro League title race. Here is everything we know about Benzema’s debut for Al-Ittihad.
The recently concluded 2022/23 season of the Saudi Pro League saw Al-Ittihad clinch the top spot, securing a five-point lead over Al-Nassr, the team led by Cristiano Ronaldo. As a result, fans will have to wait until the next league season commences to witness Benzema in official league action. The 2023/24 Saudi Pro League is scheduled to start on August 11, 2023, with Al-Ittihad aiming to secure another title.
Although specific details are currently limited, it can be anticipated that Benzema will be able to play in the pre season games of his new club. Furthermore, Al-Ittihad’s qualification for the AFC Champions League ensures that Benzema will also make his debut in this competition. The group stage of the 2023/24 AFC Champions League is set to commence in September 2023.
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