Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema has joined Al Ittihad, the Saudi Arabian side said on Tuesday, following the French striker’s exit from Real Madrid as a free agent in the close season. According to media reports, the deal is estimated to be worth more than $106.89 million.
Benzema said farewell to Real Madrid in a small, private ceremony closed to fans and media on Tuesday following a trophy-laden 14-year stay with the LaLiga club.
There were no tears in a ceremony that lasted less than 20 minutes and in which only players, family and close friends were allowed to attend. Benzema said it was a sad day for him but he wanted to keep making history in a different club.
![[File image] a soccer ball is pictured next to a goal post.](https://www.sabcnews.com/sabcnews/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/SABC-News-Soccer-300x169-1-120x86.png)
