“I always wanted to join Saudi league” Benzema
Karim Benzema joined Al Ittihad this summer to reside in Saudi Arabia and “help Saudi football grow.”
The France attacker, who won the Ballon d’Or in 2022, departed Real Madrid after 14 years “to try a new challenge,” joining as a free agent for Al Ittihad in June.
Benzema, 35, has signed a three-year contract with Al-Ittihad and has lofty goals.
Many football stars have migrated to the Middle East since Cristiano Ronaldo came to Al Nassr in December 2022 after leaving Manchester United.
Neymar, Kalidou Koulibaly, Édouard Mendy, Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mané, and Marcelo Brozovic are among those that headed to the Saudi Pro League this summer.
In addition to Benzema, Al-Ittihad, managed by Nuno Espirito Santo, added former Chelsea midfielder N’Golo Kanté and ex-Celtic attacker Jota to their team
After nine games, Al-Ittihad are fourth in the league, four points behind leaders Al Hilal.
Benzema, who has three goals and three assists in seven league appearances this season, believes his best is still to come.
Benzema is Madrid’s second-highest goal scorer of all time, trailing only Cristiano Ronaldo, and has 25 championships to his name.
