French star Karim Benzema, the new striker of Al-Ittihad, expressed his happiness and showed his great welcome to join his compatriot N'Golo Kante to the team crowned with the Saudi Professional Football League title.
The federation announced early this morning the signing of Kante on a 3-year contract from Chelsea, while Real Madrid captain Benzema joined earlier this month in a huge deal.
Benzema, who left Real after a busy career over 14 years, said in a message on Al Ittihad's Twitter account: "Hello Ngolo. One day I told you that you are the best defensive and advanced midfielder in the world."
The French striker who won the Ballon d'Or for the best player in the world added: "Now I am happy to play with you again, and certainly in the best team in Saudi Arabia. See you in Jeddah."
Kante responded to his former national team-mate's message, saying: "Happy to see you again. Thank you for your words and I'm happy to play with the best player in the world, and happy to play for the Tigers in front of the fans at Al Jawhara."
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Al Ittihad (@ittihadclub.sa)
Kante's arrival, who won the Premier League and Champions League with Chelsea, comes amid speculation that several stars in Europe are in negotiations to join Saudi clubs in the new season.
The Union club announced the contract with the French midfielder coming from Chelsea contract for 3 years on Tuesday.
Al-Ittihad wrote on its Twitter account, "Kante Federal," and published a set of pictures of the French player in the club's shirt with the number "7."
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Al Ittihad (@ittihadclub.sa)
"The contract was signed on Tuesday morning after Kante completed his medical examinations at one of the specialized medical centers in Dubai in preparation for joining the ranks of the dean," the Saudi champion said in a statement.
Kante, who helped France win the 2018 World Cup, is a leading defensive midfielder and will be a strong addition to the Saudi team ahead of the AFC Champions League and Club World Cup.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Al Ittihad (@ittihadclub.sa)
"Kante's joining comes as an extension of the most famous and influential deals in the club's history and adds to a number of historic steps in the journey of the Saudi Professional League," Al Ittihad said.
Media reports revealed that Kante's contract with the "Tigers" will extend for 4 years and a salary of up to 100 million euros per season.
According to reports, Al-Ittihad will separate by mutual consent from Egyptian midfielder Tarek Hamed, a team from Jeddah.
Cristiano Ronaldo joined Al Nasr at the end of last year, and reports said that Al Hilal is close to announcing the signing of Wolverhampton captain Ruben Neves as part of a series of new deals before the start of the new season.