Al Ittihad’s new signing, Karim Benzema, has revealed the reasons behind his decision to join the Saudi Arabian club. The Real Madrid and France legend’s move to the Middle East came as a surprise to many in the football world, but in his first interview since the transfer, Benzema explained why he was drawn to the club.
“I feel good, I’m happy to join a legendary club,” he said. “It’s going to be a new challenge, a new life, and I can’t wait to start training. It’s a top club in Saudi Arabia, with passionate fans and a history of winning trophies.”
Benzema also cited his Muslim faith as a factor in his decision to move to Saudi Arabia. “Why Saudi Arabia? I’m a Muslim, it’s a Muslim country, and I want to live there,” he said. “It’s important for me to be in a Muslim country where I already feel that people love me. It will allow me to have a new life. I want to speak the Arabic language fluently, for me it is important.”
The Frenchman also spoke about the opportunity to reunite with former teammate Cristiano Ronaldo, who currently plays for Juventus but previously played for Real Madrid. “There is Cristiano Ronaldo, a friend, it’s good to find him again,” Benzema said. “It also shows that Saudi Arabia is starting to rise more and more at the world level. That’s what is important.”
Benzema acknowledged that living in Saudi Arabia would be different from Europe, but said he had visited the country before and felt comfortable there. “It’s a Muslim country, which is beautiful, and that’s where I want to be,” he said. “There are lots of other things. I’m lucky to be in Saudi Arabia, Mecca is close, I’m a believer so it’s important for me. I’m in my place, that’s where I’m going to feel the best.”
Benzema’s family was also supportive of his decision to move to Saudi Arabia. “When I spoke with my family, they were all very happy,” he said. “They are all going to come. I know that our place is in Saudi Arabia.”