Karim Benzema claims that he at all times wished to dwell in Saudi Arabia whereas explaining his reasoning behind shifting to Al-Ittihad in June.
After 14 years at Actual Madrid through which he received numerous trophies and the 2022 Ballon d’Or, Benzema determined to maneuver to the Saudi Professional League as a free agent in the summertime. Signing a three-year contract with Al-Ittihad, the Frenchman is pleased to be residing within the Center East and serving to the usual of the league develop.
“Effectively with all the pieces I’ve made and gained with Actual Madrid, I believe it was for me the nice second to attempt a brand new problem,” Benzema instructed the Saudi Pro League’s media.
“For a very very long time even earlier than soccer, I at all times wished to return right here. Additionally, it is a Muslim nation. Immediately I felt this love for me. On and off the pitch I really feel good.
“This nation welcomed me with open arms. I really feel the love of the folks right here so clearly that makes me pleased.”
Within the opening months of the 2023/24 season, Benzema has managed three objectives and two assists in seven begins within the league, because the Saudi champions flounder considerably within the desk. Al-Ittihad sit fourth, whereas Neymar’s Al-Hilal are high and Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr are third.
Simply 4 factors separate the highest 5 after 9 video games, nonetheless, with loads of time left within the marketing campaign for issues to flip significantly.
Regardless, Benzema is pleased with the usual of soccer in Saudi Arabia, and is assured that his presence, alongside many different family names, will assist the game develop much more within the area.
“I actually need to assist Saudi soccer develop,” he added. “It [Al Ittihad] was a challenge that was simply beginning to burst from all over the place so from my facet I wished to be a part of the story. That is the rationale why I got here right here.
“I am actually shocked and happy concerning the stage of the sport right here. Actually shocked as a result of in Europe we do not watch a lot soccer from right here. These days we’re watching an increasing number of due to the large names they signed.”
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Regardless of now plying his commerce outdoors of Europe, Benzema nonetheless has a slight likelihood of taking the Ballon d’Or crown in consecutive years.