Karim Benzema’s move to Al Ittihad during the summer was motivated by his long-standing desire to reside in Saudi Arabia and his desire to pick up a new challenge, even though he had good moments while with LaLiga giants Real Madrid.
The France forward left Real Madrid after 14 years “to try a new challenge” and signed in June with the Saudi Pro League champions as a free agent.
“Well, with everything I’ve made and gained with Real Madrid, I think it was a good moment for me to try a new challenge,” 2022 Ballon d’Or winner Benzema told the Saudi Pro League website. “And for a really long time, even before football, I always wanted to come here.
Also, it’s a Muslim country … Straight away, I felt this love for me. On and off the pitch, I feel good. This country welcomed me with open arms. I feel the love of the people here so obviously that makes me happy.”
Benzema, 35, signed a three-year contract with Al Ittihad and has big aims.
“I really want to help Saudi football grow,” he said. “It [Al Ittihad] was a project that was just starting to burst from everywhere so from my side, I wanted to be part of the story. That’s the reason why I came here.”