KARIM BENZEMA made an explosive begin to his new profession as 60,000 followers welcomed him to Al-Ittihad with a spectacular fireworks show.
The present Ballon d’Or holder left Actual Madrid in favour of a mega-bucks deal in Saudi Arabia.
Karim Benzema was unveiled as an Al Ittihad participant in spectacular model
Benzema was greeted by 60,000 followers
The Frenchman was greeted a refrain of cheers as he was revealed in entrance of a packed stadium.
Benzema was hidden within the darkness earlier than his gorgeous unveiling.
As soon as the lights erupted on, he was then seen carrying the colors of Al-Ittihad – and with a No9 on his again.
The outfit beat Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr to the Saudi League title by 5 factors.
Benzema, 35, was reportedly supplied a staggering £342million to swap Spain for the Center East.
And after a 14-year keep on the Bernabeu, Benzema opted to name time on his profession with the Spanish giants.
Discussing his causes for the transfer, he stated final night time: “As a result of I’m Muslim and it’s a Muslim nation. I’ve at all times needed to stay there. I’ve already been to Saudi Arabia and I be ok with it.
“To me it’s the place I wish to be. I hope for my new membership, what I’ll be capable to carry is my soccer and most significantly to have the ability to win titles.”
Along with his taking part in contract, Benzema is anticipated to obtain additional charges to advertise Saudi Arabia’s 2030 World Cup bid.
Actual Madrid will host an “act of tribute and farewell” on Tuesday, with membership president Florentino Perez in attendance.
Benzema gained 4 LaLiga titles, 5 Champions Leagues and three Copa del Reys throughout his time at Santiago Bernabeu.
He scored 354 objectives in 648 appearances for the Spanish giants, additionally laying on 165 assists.
Benzema transferring to the Center East on a reported three-year deal comes after Ronaldo stated he was “1000 per cent certain that many extra gamers will” be part of him.