Benzema officially set to sign for Madrid

Former Lyon and France striker Karim Benzema, who became Real Madrid’s latest star signing, has passed all his medical tests and is fit to play for the Madrid based giants, the club said Thursday.

Lyon, who had sold the France striker to Madrid last week for $49 million, is the third such star signing after FIFA World Player of the Year Cristiano Ronaldo and Brazil playmaker Kaka signed for Madrid, during $280 million spending spree.

“Karim Benzema is fit for action according to Real Madrid’s medical services 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,” the club’s Web site said.

The player arrived in the morning and was driven from the airport to a Madrid hotel to meet coach Manuel Pellegrini before going to a private clinic in the northwest of the capital normally used by the club for its medical assessments.

Following a thumbs-up from the medical team, Benzema visited the Santiago Bernabeu stadium and met sporting director, Miguel Pardeza, and institutional relations director, Emilio Butragueno, the club said.

The 21-year-old forward is due to sign his contract and be presented to fans at the stadium.