SUMMARY
- Karim Benzema's Real Madrid departure confirmed; the French superstar joins Al-Ittihad, champions of the Saudi League.
- Benzema signs a two-year contract with Al-Ittihad, heralding the end of his 14-year prolific spell with Real Madrid.
- Saudi Arabia's efforts to host the 2030 World Cup are evident in the major boost to their league by attracting football superstars.
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With the official proclamation of Karim Benzema's departure from Real Madrid, the wind has picked up on the whispers of his imminent relocation to Saudi Arabia. In a surprising turn of events, Benzema's new home will be Al-Ittihad, the current champions of the Saudi League. These rumors, initially speculative, have evolved into solid fact as the legendary footballer's exit from the prestigious Spanish club has been confirmed.
The revelation of Benzema's contractual alliance with Al-Ittihad was first made public by Al-Ekhbariya, a state-based Saudi TV channel. The station reported a meeting between Al-Ittihad's chairman and vice-chairman and Benzema in Madrid to solidify the agreement. The French superstar has inked a two-year contract with the Saudi club, signaling an end to his 14-year tenure with Los Blancos, during which he achieved a myriad of team and individual honors.
Real Madrid issued a heartfelt statement confirming Benzema's departure. A note of reverence for their former captain underlined the mutual respect and understanding that concluded their professional relationship. The club acknowledged Benzema as an unrivaled part of their history, a testament to his impact over his illustrious career.
During his time at Real Madrid, Benzema etched his name in club history with an impressive tally of 353 goals in 647 matches, a record surpassed only by a few. His unmatched skills garnered him the Ballon d’Or last year, solidifying his status as a legendary player. His move to Al-Ittihad promises an annual remuneration of 400 million euros, a figure that doubles the amount previously paid to Cristiano Ronaldo by Al-Nasser.
Saudi Arabia's endeavors to host the 2030 World Cup have led to significant investment in their local football league. In a bid to elevate their standing, Saudi authorities are aiming to enrich their teams with superstar talent. Benzema's move offers tangible evidence of this initiative, which hopes to attract more luminaries of his caliber in the future.
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