Karim Benzema Is Unveiled As An Al-Ittihad Player In Front Of 60,000 Fans - In Pics

France forward Karim Benzema was officially unveiled as the new Al-Ittihad player in front of a vociferous 60,000 supporters inside the King Abdullah Sport City Stadium with the former Real Madrid player deciding to ply his trade in the Saudi Pro League. Benzema is the second new name to join the Saudi Arabian league, following in the footsteps of his former Real Madrid team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo. "Because I am Muslim and it's a Muslim country. I've always wanted to live there. I've already been to Saudi Arabia and I feel good about it," said Benzema. "To me it's where I want to be… I hope for my new club, what I'll be able to bring is my football and most importantly to be able to win titles." There are more names linked to play in the Middle East with the likes of N'golo Kante, Luis Suarez and others too rumoured to be on the verge of signing.

Updated: 09 Jun 2023 9:19 am

Karim Benzema unveiled as Al-Ittihad player | Photo: AP

Saudi soccer team Al Ittihad player Karim Benzema holds the Ballon d'Or 2022 trophy during his presentation ceremony at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Benzema, who left Real Madrid after 14 years and 648 games, is set to play against his former Madrid teammate Cristiano Ronaldo, who joined Al-Nassr in January.

Saudi soccer team Al Ittihad player Karim Benzema greets Saudi fans during his presentation ceremony at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Al Ittihad soccer fans wave a flag with the name their new team player Karim Benzema during a presentation ceremony at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Al Ittihad soccer fans wave by a T-shirt of their team player Karim Benzema during a presentation ceremony at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Saudi soccer team Al Ittihad player Karim Benzema speaks during a press conference at the presentation ceremony at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.