Karim Benzema’s presentation at Al Ittihad was amazing

Karim Benzema was the recipient of a very spectacular unveiling this week as Saudi Arabian aspect Al Ittihad laid on an extravaganza to introduce their new signing to the followers.

The France striker introduced his 14-year affiliation with Real Madrid to an finish this month with a purpose to start a brand new chapter of his profession within the Saudi Pro League after agreeing a profitable three-year take care of Al Ittihad that’s scheduled to formally start on July 1.

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With the No. 9 shirt on his again, Benzema was introduced in entrance of round 60,000 followers at the King Abdullah Sports City stadium. The present started with the stadium cloaked in darkness earlier than a big highlight silhouetted the 35-year-old as he emerged from the tunnel.

⚫🟡#بنزيما يدخل ملعب الجوهرة بقميص رقم9️⃣#حفل_بنزيما | #Benzema#SSC pic.twitter.com/9om56ejaiR

— شركة الرياضة السعودية SSC (@ssc_sports) June 8, 2023

As effectively as intermittent bursts of pyrotechnic flames, an unlimited cacophony of cheers from the followers within the stands then accompanied Benzema as he strode out onto a plinth within the centre of the pitch.

Al Ittihad’s marquee arrival was then left to wave to his new followers because the stadium gentle present started to ripple and pulse as a volley of fireworks illuminated the evening sky above Jeddah.

There had been additionally barely awkward scenes as Benzema was re-presented with the Ballon d’Or he received whereas taking part in for a distinct membership in October final 12 months in scenes eerily just like these foisted upon former teammate Cristiano Ronaldo when he was compelled to indicate off his trophy as he was unveiled at Real Madrid in 2009.

The ballon d’or is brightening up the stadium 🤩🔥#Benzema2Ittihad pic.twitter.com/iSFmuPFWNw

— Ittihad Club (@ittihad_en) June 8, 2023

Benzema then greeted the gang by taking the mic and uttering his first phrases as an Al Ittihad participant: “Yemshi kida kida,” which roughly interprets as “It walks like this” — a reference to the fearsome tiger the membership use as a mascot.

KB9 immortalizes an unforgettable second with Al Ittihad followers by taking the final word selfie! 🤳😍⚽️#Benzema2Ittihad pic.twitter.com/pWkjRRNjgj

— Ittihad Club (@ittihad_en) June 8, 2023

Benzema had time for a selfie, and later posted a photo from the evening on Instagram together with a quick message of because of the supporters in attendance.

“Thank you Jeddah, from the bottom of my heart,” he wrote. “Tonight was a very special moment that I will never forget.”