Karim Benzema has insisted that he “at all times wished” to reside in Saudi Arabia, having joined Al Ittihad throughout the summer season.
The legendary ahead was broadly anticipated to signal a one-year contract at Actual Madrid following the conclusion of the 2022/23 season, nevertheless he as an alternative shockingly opted to affix Saudi Professional League outfit Al Ittihad – signing a deal value a whopping £172m per yr.
Up to now, Benzema has made 11 appearances for his new golf equipment, scoring six targets in these video games and propelling the reigning champions to the higher reaches of the Saudi Professional League desk.
Talking the league’s official media channels, Benzema took the time to clarify his resolution to make the transfer to the Center East, citing his faith as a key issue.
“Properly with every thing I’ve made and gained with Actual Madrid, I feel it was for me the great second to attempt a brand new problem,” he mentioned. “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. Right away I felt this love for me. On and off the pitch I really feel good.
“I actually wished to be a part of the story and to assist Saudi soccer develop” 🎙️@Benzema discusses his transfer and begin to life within the RSL 🇫🇷#yallaRSL pic.twitter.com/67VysqGDMM
— Roshn Saudi League (@SPL_EN) October 11, 2023
“This nation welcomed me with open arms. I really feel the love of the individuals right here so clearly that makes me completely happy.”
“I actually need to assist Saudi soccer develop. [Al Ittihad] was a challenge that was simply beginning to burst from in every single place so from my facet I wished to be a part of the story. That is the rationale why I got here right here.”
Benzema additionally mentioned how stunned he is been by the usual of play within the Saudi Professional League. An enormous variety of high degree gamers resembling Cristiano Ronaldo, Sadio Mane and Riyad Mahrez have all made the transfer to the league over the past 12 months, drastically bettering the product.
“I am actually stunned and happy concerning the degree of the sport right here,” he went on to clarify. “Actually stunned as a result of in Europe we do not watch a lot soccer from right here. These days we’re watching increasingly more due to the massive names they signed.”
