In a long video published by Al-Ittihad, Karim Benzema explains the reasons for his departure to Saudi Arabia.
It’s the start of a new life for Karim Benzema. After 14 years at Real Madrid, the French striker has decided to join Al-Ittihad. In a video published by his new club, the Ballon d’Or 2022 explains the reasons for his departure to Saudi Arabia.
“I feel good, happy to join this mythical club. It’s going to be a new challenge for me, I can’t wait to start training.”, explains the former Lyonnais. To justify this new career choice, Benzema, in this video posted by Al-Ittihad, does not speak once about his XXL salary (estimated at 200 million euros per year), but highlights the sporting aspect and religion.
🎙️ The full interview with our new star, Karim Benzema, is now available! Watch the full interview and learn about his ambitions and goals with the dean in the next season. 🤩⚽️#Benzema2Ittihad #HereToInspireKSA pic.twitter.com/hABZbXbuEG
– Saudi Al-Ittihad Club (@ittihad) June 8, 2023
“Why Al-Ittihad? Because it’s a top club in Saudi Arabia, with a lot of passion from the fans, and trophies.”explains Benzema, whose new club have won nine times Saudi Arabia and won the Asian Champions League twice. “I would like to take this club even higher”explains the Nueve, which boasts the “exceptional stadium” of Al-Ittihad, the King-Abadallah stadium (62,000 seats).
“Important to be in a Muslim country”
Benzema then develops the reasons that pushed him to this country. ” Why Saudi Arabia? Already because I’m a Muslim, and it’s a Muslim country, and I want to live there, he assures. It is different from Europe. I feel good here. It is a country that is expensive and beautiful. This is where I want to be. It’s important to be in a Muslim country where I feel people love me. There is Mecca in Saudi Arabia, I am a believer, it is important. »
Saudi Arabia’s sporting ambitions are also important to him. “There is Cristiano Ronaldo who is there, a friend, it is good to find him. And it shows that Saudi Arabia is rising globally, and that’s what’s important. I am here to build the country and do beautiful things. »
