Real Madrid

Karim Benzema counted down the hours until his official unveiling as a Madridista at 21:00 at the Bernabeu. Here is a brief summary of everything he did before and after the event.

ARRIVAL IN MADRID
Karim Benzema arrived in Madrid close to 11 am. Several fans gathered at Madrid Airport's Terminal 2 building to greet him. Benzema was delighted with the reception and made his way to the Mirasierra Suite Hotel, where he will stay until he has his medical examination at Sanitas La Moraleja Hospital.

MEETING WITH PELLEGRINI
After arriving in the Spanish capital, Karim Benzema was driven to the Mirasierra Suites Hotel, where in the lounge he met his new coach, Manuel Pellegrini. The player and coach chatted for several minutes, during which Benzema expressed how eager he is to beginning work with his new team. After the discussion, the French striker headed to Sanitas La Moraleja Hospital for his medical checkup.

GREEN LIGHT TO PLAY
Karim Benzema is fit for action according to Real Madrid's medical servics at Sanitas La Moraleja Hospital. Benzema passed all his tests with flying colors and has been cleared to sign his six-year deal with Real Madrid later this afternoon.

HOME-COMING
Benzema fulfilled one of the highlights of the day: his visit to the Santiago Bernabeu. After a brief tour of the stadium offices, Benzema granted his first interview as a Madridista to Real Madrid's official media outlets.

LUNCH AT PUERTA 57
After getting familiar with his new stomping ground, Karim Benzema had lunch at Puerta 57 located within the stadium itself. The player sat down with Sporting Director, Miguel Pardeza and Director of Institutional Relations, Emilio Butragueño. Shorlty after finishing, Benzema returned to the Mirasierra Suites Hotel, where he will stay unitl returning to the Bernabeu to sign his contract as the newest Madridista.

SIGNING OF THE CONTRACT
Karim Benzema is officially a Madridista. Shortly after 20:00, the French striker walked into the Board Room alongside President Florentino Perez and signed a six-year contract with Real Madrid. Benzema was very excited and anxious to experience his official presentation.

FIRST VISIT TO THE DRESSING ROOM
Karim Benzema could have been more ecstatic as he set foot in his new dressing room for the very first time. After donning the Real Madrid kit, the striker proudly posed for photos before making his way out onto the pitch where he was welcomed by thousands of Madridistas.

WARM MADRIDISTA WELCOME
Karim Benzema was unveiled by Real Madrid President of Honor, Alfredo di Stefano and President Florentino Perez as the fourth signing of the summer following Kaka, Albiol and Cristiano Ronaldo. More than 30,000 Madridistas welcomed the French striker.

PRESS CONFERENCE
In his first press conference as a Madridista, Karim Benzema said he was very happy about signing for the Club and that he hopes to improve as a player while at Real Madrid.