French striker Karim Benzema sent a message to fans of the Saudi Football Association club in Jeddah on Tuesday following the official announcement that he had joined the Tigers with a contract extended through 2026.
On Tuesday, Jeddah club Al Nimour issued a statement via their official Twitter account, specifying that the contract with Karim Benzema was signed last Monday morning after the French striker underwent medical examinations in the Spanish capital Madrid.
Al Ittihad, which won the Roushen Pro League title, posted a video clip through their official Twitter account showing the French striker’s highlights and the contract signing ceremony.
Benzema said in a video clip in Arabic, “I’m glad to see you in Jeddah,” in reference to press reports that Ittihad Jeddah would host a reception for their new player upon arrival in Saudi Arabia.
Fed Beans ✍️????
???? Good luck tonight#Benzema2Ittihad#here2inspireKSApic.twitter.com/YvsWFzebXF– Saudi Al Ittihad Club (@ittihad) June 6, 2023
Benzema expressed his happiness at joining Al Ittihad Jeddah, saying: “I am very happy to experience a new football league in another country and I know that Al Ittihad has an amazing history, very enthusiastic fans and great ambition. that go beyond the local league he won this year to win continental championships.”
He added: “I am very proud of my football career in Spain, France and Europe in general and now I feel it is time for a challenge and a new project. I have always felt a warm welcome from fans and people when I visit Saudi Arabia and I I look forward to joining my new colleagues at Al Ittihad and working with them on the transfer of this amazing club and football in Saudi Arabia will take football to the next level.”
And Karim Benzema, 35, concluded: “I know very well the strength of the league, the intense competition in it and the level of teams and players, especially with the arrival of stars like my friend Cristiano Ronaldo.”
For his part, Anmar Al-Khaeli, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Ittihad Jeddah Club, said: “We are delighted to see him in the Tigers’ No. 9 jersey. We are delighted to sign one of the most outstanding football stars in history.”
Al-Khaili continued: “We are proud of this historic step for our ancient club and its loyal fans and Benzema will be representing us at the start of next season as we face the challenge of defending our league title. leagues and compete in the Asian Championship, as well as participate in the global club world championship.
Source: agencies