There was no doubt about it, but Saudi Arabia has put the small dishes in the big ones to welcome Karim Benzema, presented Thursday in front of 60,000 supporters of Al-Ittihad, his new club in Jeddah. Music at full volume, light shows, pyrotechnic show, clip to the glory of the attacker and face of the player projected in 3D mapping in the sky, preceded the arrival of the star on the lawn where a giant KB9 had been drawn with lights.

The Frenchman, who has committed for three years with the Saudi club and an amount that has not been revealed, then addressed the fans in English to thank them, promising to lead the club "to the highest level". Before slipping an "Assalam o aleikum!" (hello). The 35-year-old then brandished his Ballon d'Or, before taking a lap of honour by sending autographed balloons to the public.


"Why did I choose Al-Ittihad? It's a club with a lot of values. It's a club that has just won (the national title), which is still improving, "had explained earlier in French, the center forward at his press conference presentation. "I like the ambition and the character of the fans. That's why I chose this club. The fans and the club from Saudi Arabia are warm. I have seen, in recent days, a lot of madness. It touched me a lot. I hope to give them back this warmth on the ground," he added in front of an audience of several dozen journalists.

"I won a lot of things in Europe. I signed here with a lot of ambition, to bring my experience, hoping to win a lot of titles, because I'm hungry. I still want to play and show what I can do on a pitch. To get the club where it needs to be, which is at the top," said the former Real Madrid captain.


🎙️ Watch the full interview with Karim Benzema! Learn about his ambitions and goals with us next season!#Benzema2Ittihad
#HereToInspireKSA pic.twitter.com/lMSkSPh7AL

— Ittihad Club (@ittihad_en) June 8, 2023

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In a video released by his new club later in the day, Benzema also said the choice was also dictated by his personal beliefs. "I'm Muslim, it's a Muslim country and I want to live there. It's different from Europe but I've been to Saudi Arabia before. I feel good. Above all, it is a Muslim country, which is beautiful, and this is where I want to be. It's important to be in a Muslim country where I already feel that people love me, it will allow me to have a new life. I want to speak Arabic fluently, for me it's important. There are many other things. I am lucky to be in Saudi Arabia, Mecca is close. I'm a believer so it's important to me. I'm in my place, that's where I'm going to feel the best. When I spoke with my family, they were all very happy, they will all come. I know our place is in Saudi Arabia. Âť

  • Football
  • Karim Benzema
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Real Madrid
  • Sport