Watch live: Saudi Al Ittihad holds unveiling ceremony for Karim Benzema

Saudi Arabia champions Al Ittihad on Thursday unveiled their latest signing, French forward Karim Benzema, at Jeddah’s King Abdullah Sports City Stadium.

Live: Saudi Al Ittihad club holds an official welcome ceremony for football star Karim #Benzema in Jeddah. https://t.co/RutscCR3Ys

— Al Arabiya English (@AlArabiya_Eng) June 8, 2023

Saudi champions Al Ittihad sold more than 56,000 tickets for Karim Benzema’s presentation at Jeddah’s King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in only a few hours after sales were announced on Wednesday.

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The France striker and Ballon d’Or winner signed a three-season contract with the Saudi Pro League club on Tuesday for a total of $165 million, according to local media.

Tickets for Thursday’s presentation of the former Real Madrid captain later at the 62,000-seat arena, known locally as ‘The Shining Jewel’, started from just nine riyals ($2.40).

A large number of supporters wearing the club’s yellow and black colors greeted Benzema upon his arrival in the city on Wednesday night and he is expected to hold a press conference on Thursday before being presented to the fans.

Benzema, 35, was Al Ittihad’s first signing since winning the league title for the first time since 2009 with compatriot N’Golo Kante expected to join him from Chelsea soon.

Cristiano Ronaldo blazed the trail in the Saudi Pro League by signing a lucrative contract with Al-Nassr in December.

Saudi clubs are targeting other big names in the coming months with the likes of Sergio Busquets, Angel Di Maria, Jordi Alba and Sergio Ramos being linked with moves to the desert kingdom in local media.

With Reuters

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