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Edinburgh Live
Edinburgh Live
Sport
Alan Galindo

Former Hearts boss Ian Cathro to work with Real Madrid hero Karim Benzema after mega-money transfer

Former Hearts boss Ian Cathro will get down to work with Ballon d’Or holder Karim Benzema following his move to Saudi Arabia.

The Real Madrid legend called time on his trophy-laden spell in the Spanish capital to make a mega money move to Al-Ittihad as he becomes the latest superstar signing in the Middle East following Cristiano Ronaldo's transfer earlier this year. The duo will raise the profile of the league with other big names like Chelsea's N'Golo Kante linked with joining them.

It's been quite the career for Cathro who has worked in the likes of Portugal with Rio Ave, Spain with La Liga big hitters Valencia and in England with Newcastle United, Wolves and Tottenham - now managed by former Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou after moving on a four-year deal.

READ MORE: Barrie McKay Hearts injury timeline explained as forward undergoes ankle surgery

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The ex- Jambos gaffer is now at Al Ittihad as assistant to Nuno Espírito Santo and the duo tasted title glory as they bid to do it all over again with the Frenchman in their ranks. He is reported to be earning a whopping €200m per season net salary with commercial deals included.

On his big decision, he said: “Al Ittihad is a new challenge for me. It’s a good league and there are many good players.

“Cristiano Ronaldo is already here, he is a friend who shows that Saudi Arabia is starting to get ahead and I am here to win as I did in Europe."

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