Karim Benzema Joins Al-Ittihad from Real Madrid
Karim Benzema, one of the most prominent football players and the reigning Ballon d’Or winner, has confirmed his departure from Real Madrid. He has signed documents to join Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittihad on a two-year contract with the option of a further year. The striker is available on a free transfer after voiding the one-year extension clause he had in his Madrid deal.
Benzema’s Journey at Madrid
Benzema spent 14 years with Madrid, during which he won 25 major trophies. However, injuries restricted his appearances this season, which caused him to miss the World Cup in Qatar. The Frenchman started 33 games in La Liga and the Champions League, scoring 23 goals, including a goal in his final appearance against Athletic Bilbao on Sunday.
Carlo Ancelotti, the current Madrid manager, said on Sunday, “We cannot be happy about his farewell, but we have to respect his decision”.
Benzema’s Move to Al-Ittihad
Benzema received a massive wage offer to join Al-Ittihad, who won the Saudi Arabian championship title last month, beating Al-Nassr, where Cristiano Ronaldo plays. His contract with Al-Ittihad is worth two years, but he has the option for another season.
Hopeful Arrival of Lionel Messi to Saudi Arabia
There are reports that the Saudi Arabian league wants Lionel Messi to join next season, with Al-Hilal offering him more than £350m a year. However, Barcelona is trying to re-sign the Argentina international, who is due to make a decision after leaving Paris Saint-Germain.
Messi is a tourism ambassador for Saudi Arabia and was recently suspended by PSG for making an unauthorised two-day visit to the country. “Leo wants to return to Barça, and I would also like him to return,” Messi’s father, Jorge, said in an interview with the Twitch channel Jijantes FC on Monday.
Final Thoughts
Benzema leaving Madrid is undoubtedly a massive blow to the team, but as is often said, time changes everything. The move to Al-Ittihad may just be what he needs to bring fresh energy to his game. It remains to be seen whether Messi would choose Saudi Arabia or rejoin Barcelona. Football fans will undoubtedly be eagerly watching the developments from these two big moves on the horizon.
Are you excited about Benzema’s move to Al-Ittihad, and what do you think of Messi’s possible move? Let us know in the comments below.
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