Karim Benzema has officially been unveiled in front of 60,000 supporters inside the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium after joining Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad.<br /><br />The Frenchman became the second superstar to move to the Middle East, following in the footsteps of his former Real Madrid team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo.<br /><br />Benzema was announced to a roaring crowd that hailed the 35-year-old's arrival in the nation and adorned the number nine shirt as he walked out onto the pitch.<br /><br />The announcement began with Benzema attending a press conference where questions were asked in English and the striker responded with answers in French that were then translated.<br /><br />Joining on a three-year contract worth £ 258 million, Benzema revealed that his move to Saudi Arabia was inspired by his Muslim religion, not the bounty of money on offer. <br /><br />Because I am Muslim and it's a Muslim country. I've always wanted to live there. I've already been to Saudi Arabia and I feel good about it,' said Benzema.<br /><br />'To me, it's where I want to be… I hope for my new club, what I'll be able to bring is my football and most importantly to be able to win titles.<br /><br />'It's a new chapter for me and I would like to further advance the club. It's a club with a lot of passion.'<br /><br />Benzema is of Muslim faith and now finds himself playing in the 'holy kingdom' where Islam is practiced by 90 percent of the population.<br /><br />The goalscorer brought his Ballon d'Or award to the procession and was encouraged to show it off to Al-Ittihad supporters who had gathered inside the stadium.<br /><br />A light show lit up his initials alongside the number nine to celebrate his awarding of the shirt number, the same that he adopted during a glorious spell of success in Madrid.<br /><br />Benzema scored 354 goals in 648 games and won a club-record 25 trophies during his time with the La Liga side.<br /><br />Upon departing Spain, he told a farewell press conference: 'I'll never forget Real Madrid because it's impossible.<br /><br />'It's difficult to talk. There are so many emotions. I wanted to thank Real Madrid and my team-mates. It's been a good journey in my life.<br /><br />'I was lucky enough to fulfill my childhood dream thanks to the president, who a long time ago, when I was just 21 years old, went to my house, with my parents.
