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    Karim Benzema explains why he left Real Madrid

    Emma TeeBy No Comments2 Mins Read

    • Karim Benzema reveals why he left Real Madrid.

    Karim Benzema explains why he left Real Madrid
    Karim Benzema explains why he left Real Madrid

    After joining Al Ittihad during the summer, Karim Benzema stated that he “always wanted” to live in Saudi Arabia.

    The famous forward was widely anticipated to sign a one-year agreement with Real Madrid after the 2022–23 season, but he suddenly decided to join Saudi Pro League team Al Ittihad instead, agreeing to a deal for an astounding £172 million annually.

    Benzema has made 11 appearances for his new teams so far, scoring six goals in those contests to help the defending champions climb the Saudi Pro League standings.

    Speaking to the league’s official media outlets, Benzema spent time explaining why he chose to go to the Middle East, citing his faith as a major motivator.

    “Well with everything I’ve made and gained with Real Madrid, I think it was for me the good moment to try a new challenge,” he said. “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.”

    “I really want to help Saudi football grow. [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.”

    Benzema also discussed how surprised he’s been by the standard of play in the Saudi Pro League. A huge number of top level players such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Sadio Mane and Riyad Mahrez have all made the move to the league over the last 12 months, greatly improving the product.

    “I’m really surprised and pleased about the level of the game here,” he went on to explain. “Really surprised because in Europe we don’t watch much football from here. Nowadays we are watching more and more because of the big names they signed.”