Karim Benzema, a French striker, stated on Wednesday that the “huge project” in Saudi Arabia and the fact that it is a Muslim country were two of the primary factors in his decision to leave Real Madrid and join Al-Ittihad. Benzema had won numerous trophies during his time with Real Madrid.
Benzema became one of several major names to move to the Saudi Pro League when he joined Al-Ittihad as a free agent in June. After completing his glittering 14-year tenure at Real, he signed a deal that was allegedly for more than 100 million euros ($106 million).
He was joined by fellow countryman and World Cup champion N’Golo Kante, Brazilian midfielder Fabinho, and Portuguese winger Jota as Al-Ittihad splurge out in an attempt to defend their league crown in the face of intense competition from big-spending opponents.
Benzema stated the following in an interview with the Saudi Pro League that was posted on the messaging platform X. “When the football project started here, it seemed like a huge project in all respects, and I wanted to be a part of it and help advance the game in Saudi Arabia, and this is one of the reasons that made me come here,” Benzema said. “When the football project started here, it seemed like a huge project in all respects.”
“Also, Saudi Arabia is a Muslim country, and the people there welcomed me with open arms, and I got the impression that I was loved right away.” When you visit Mecca as a Muslim, you will have a sense of calm because it is a very special site.
Benzema has played in seven league matches so far this season and has scored three goals and assisted on two others.
“There is a lot of passion and a long history of football here, and I am delighted with the level at which the game is being played. The 35-year-old player went on to say, “I am really surprised by the level in Saudi Arabia because in Europe we don’t watch a lot of football matches here.” “In Europe we don’t watch a lot of football matches here.”
“But now there are lots of people (in Europe) who are watching the Saudi league after many big names were brought in.”
In the current standings, Al-Ittihad are in fourth place with 19 points, four points behind the leaders Al-Hilal.