Franck Kessie Served With Traditional Arabian Dates as Al Ahli Welcome Ivorian Midfielder

• Franck Kessie has completed his move to Saudi giants Al Ahli
• The Ivorian midfielder moves to the Saudi Pro League from Spanish club Barcelona
• Kessie joins Firminio and Riyad Mahrez as the club's high-profile signings

Ivorian midfielder Franck Kessie was treated to the rich Arabian culture following his arrival at Saudi club Al Ahli.

The 26-year-old joined Al Ahli SC from Spanish giants Barcelona on a three-year deal in a move reportedly worth 12.5 million euros.

Kessie becomes the latest high-profile player to make a move to the Saudi Pro League and will link up with Roberto Firminio and Riyad Mahrez at his new club.

In photos shared on social media during his unveiling, Kessie is spotted in beautiful Arabian attire while eating the popular dates fruit.

"The general is ours. We are glad to announce the signing of Franck Kessié, from FC Barcelona, on a 3-year deal," wrote Al Ahli on Twitter.

Cristiano Ronaldo happy with Al-Nassr summer signings this summer

Football

The former AC Milan midfielder is expected to join the rest of his teammates on Thursday as preparations continue ahead of the start of the new season.

"FC Barcelona and Al-Ahli SC have agreed on a 12.5 million euro transfer for the player Franck Kessie. FC Barcelona want to take this opportunity to publicly thank Franck for his commitment and dedication, and to wish him all the best and every success in the future," wrote Barcelona on their official website, confirming Kessie departure.

He made 43 appearances for the Catalan giants, winning La Liga last season.

Kessie close to Saudi move

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that after one season in Spain with Barcelona, Cote d'Ivoire midfielder, Franck Kessie, is set to join Al-Ahli in the Saudi Pro League.

The team has already acquired the services of Riyad Mahrez, Roberto Firmino, Edouard Mendy, and Allan Saint-Maximin this summer.

Al-Ahli Confirm Signing of Man City Winger Riyad Mahrez

Football

The 26-year-old joined the Spanish giants last summer on a free transfer from AC Milan and did not play in Barcelona's last two pre-season games.

Kessie explains salute celebration

Franck Kessie has revealed that his iconic salute celebration is a tribute to his late father who served in the Ivorian army.

The Ivory Coast scored his first Barcelona goal in the UEFA Champions League clash against Viktoria Plzen on Wednesday.

After the game, which Barcelona won 5-1, Kessie explained that the celebration pays homage to his father who died when he was just eleven.