Karim Benzema: Real Madrid Squad Shows Love to Former Star After Al Ittihad Debut

• Karim Benzema recently departed Real Madrid for Saudi club Al-Ittihad
• The former Los Blancos captain made his debut for his new club in style
• His former teammates and current Real Madrid players have not held back their admiration for the Frenchman’s performance

Karim Benzema lit up the world of football last night after he produced another footballing masterclass in Al-Ittihad’s 2-1 Arab Club champions cup win over Esperance of Tunisia.

The reigning Ballon d’Or winner last month departed Spanish giants Real Madrid. He was involved in both of his new team’s goals, setting up the first and scoring the second – a goal of the highest quality.

Praise has since been heaped onto the 35-year-old and his former teammates ensured they were not left out, as they hailed the marquee number 9.

Real Madrid players hail Benzema

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A host of Real Madrid players, including Vinicius Jr., David Alaba, and Aurelien Tchouameni reacted to their former teammate's performance.

As posted by Madrid Zone on Twitter, Vinicius posted the words: "EL Mejor", to which Benzema responded: "hermanito 🔥".

Former left-back and captain Marcelo also responded to Benzema’s Instagram post with three fire emojis.

For many, his stellar performance is a sign of things to come and the Saudi fans will hope he can replicate this form in future matches.

As per reports from Footy Stats, Benzema is billed to make his league debut for Al-Ittihad against Al Raed on 14th August.

Benzema on Saudi move

Sports Brief previously reported that Benzema revealed his real intentions after he inked a three-year deal with Saudi Pro League club Al-Ittihad.

The 35-year-old, who is Real Madrid's second-highest goal-scorer of all time, cited Cristiano Ronaldo as one of his motivations. His quest to win more laurels for his stacked trophy cabinet was another reason he gave for joining the Tigers.

Players who have joined the Saudi league have been met with criticism after Nigeria’s Odion Ighalo stated that players join the league simply for the fat paychecks.