Karim Benzema has joined a Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittihad in a deal worth ninety-nine billion naira per year after leaving the Spanish giant, Real Madrid.

The former France international’s deal with the Saudi champions is thought to be for two years, with the option of a third season.

Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti stated on Sunday that the club “cannot be happy about his farewell, but we must respect his decision.”

Benzema received a significant wage offer to join Al-Ittihad, who beat Al-Nassr, where Cristiano Ronaldo plays, to the title last month.

According to a football transfer guru l, Fabrizio Romano, Karim Benzema’s contract at Al Ittihad will be valid until June 2025 with option for further season.

The Salary could reach €200m with some commercial deals included, representing ₦99,190,531,898.62 (ninety-nine billion, one hundred ninety million, five hundred thirty-one thousand, eight hundred ninety-eight naira, 62 kobos). The current exchange rate is 495.9527.

In his 14 years with Real Madrid, Benzema, the reigning Ballon d’Or winner, won 25 major trophies with the Los Blancos after he joined from Lyon.

Injuries reduced his appearances this season and forced him to miss the World Cup in Qatar. He managed to start 33 games in La Liga and the Champions League, scoring 23 goals, including one against Athletic Bilbao on Sunday.

The star striker is expected to hold a farewell press conference in Madrid later today.