OFFICIAL: Karim Benzema Joins Al-Ittihad On A Three-year Contract After Leaving Real Madrid..

Karim Benzema has completed his move to Al-Ittihad on a three-year contract with an option for an additional season.

The Frenchman will reportedly earn €600M during his 3-year stint in Saudi Arabia, that's almost €200m per season net salary, commercial deals also included.

The Saudi club announced the deal in a video posted on Twitter showing Benzema signing the contract with Al Ittihad President Anmar Al-Haili and Vice President Ahmed Kaaki in Madrid.

In a message to Al Ittihad fans, Benzema said in Arabic words in the video: “I'm excited to see you all in Jeddah.”

"This is a new challenge for me. It's is a good league and there are many good players," said Benzema. "Cristiano Ronaldo is already there, a friend which shows Saudi Arabia is starting to further progress its level. I am here to win, like I did in Europe.

"I have been fortunate to achieve amazing things in my career and achieve everything I can in Spain and Europe. It now feels the time is right for a new challenge and project."

Benzema is here 🤩✍️
A new tiger will roar 🐅
Welcome to Ittihad!#Benzema2Ittihad#here2inspireKSA pic.twitter.com/I3GEm90fRB

— Ittihad Club (@ittihad_en) June 6, 2023

 Real Madrid had announced on Sunday that the 35-year-old was leaving the Santiago Bernabeu after 14 seasons, the day after coach Carlo Ancelotti had said there was “no doubt” Benzema’s future lay in the Spanish capital.

Benzema joined Madrid in 2009 from Ligue 1 side Lyon, and and won a club-record 25 titles.

He made 648 appearances for Madrid and is second on Real’s all-time goalscoring list with 354 goals, only Ronaldo has more.

He has lifted five Champions Leagues, four La Liga titles and three Copas del Rey with Madrid.

His last season with Madrid saw him captain the team to victory in the Copa del Rey final but they finished second to Barcelona in LaLiga and lost in the semi-finals of the Champions League to Manchester City.

The Ballon d'Or winner scored in his last appearance for Los Blancos, a well taken penalty kick in the 1-1 draw with Athletic Bilbao in La Liga.

Benzema said farewell to Real Madrid in a small, private ceremony closed to fans and media on Tuesday after choosing to leave the club.

"I will never forget Real Madrid," said Benzema. "It's impossible. It's the best club in history but I think today is the time to leave and to get to know another story.

"It's difficult to talk with so many feelings but I wanted to thank Real Madrid and my team-mates. It was a good path in my life. I have been lucky enough to fulfil my childhood dream."

Benzema has now joined his former Real Madrid teammate Cristiano Ronaldo in the Gulf kingdom after the five-time world player of the year moved to Al Nassr from Manchester United following last year’s World Cup.

Saudi Arabia champions Al Ittihad, managed by former Wolves and Tottenham Hotspur boss Nuno Espirito Santo, finished five points ahead of Ronaldo's Al Nassr last season. 

Al Ittihad, from the port city of Jeddah, won their first Saudi league title since 2009 last month after overhauling Ronaldo's Al Nassr from the capital city of Riyadh, who had led for much of the season.