Karim Benzema aims to leave lasting legacy in Saudi Arabia after joining Al Ittihad

Karim Benzema wants to leave a “lasting legacy” and deliver trophies at new club Al Ittihad, with the striker saying his Muslim faith was a significant factor in his decision to move to Saudi Arabia.

The Frenchman, the current Ballon d’Or holder, was confirmed on Tuesday as the Saudi Pro League champions’ latest addition. Benzema, 35, had spent 14 years at Real Madrid and departed on Sunday as their second-highest goalscorer of all-time. He signed an initial three-year contract with Ittihad.

In an interview with the club released on Thursday, Benzema said: “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. 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. I would like the fans to find themselves in me. I would like to leave a lasting legacy, because I love football. I always have this competitiveness to push my limits and go even higher. That’s why I’m going to be well prepared to give them and show them my talent.”

Ittihad, managed by former Tottenham manager Nuno Espirito Santo, last month lifted a first top-flight title in 14 years – and ninth overall. They sealed the crown with one round to spare, five points ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr.

“It’s one of the top clubs in Saudi Arabia,” Benzema said of his new employers. “It’s a club that sees a lot of passion from its fan and has many trophies.

“The stadium is exceptional, and as I said and will repeat; there’s so much passion – a good team always needs fans. The fans are very important, and with that passion, it gives us the motivation to be best on the field.”

Benzema, a practising Muslim, has been a regular visitor to both the kingdom and