Karim Benzema: Al Hilal represents the Real Madrid of Asia
Karim Benzema aims to secure trophies for his new team Al Hilal, which he refers to as the “Real Madrid in Asia.”
The French striker declined a contract extension to stay at Al Ittihad beyond June and opted to join Saudi Pro League leaders Al Hilal on Monday.
In his first comments following the transfer, the former Real Madrid captain stated on the club’s website: “It’s good. I’m pleased to be here. After my initial training session with the team and the coach, I’m very happy and proud to be part of this squad. It’s a strong team with a rich history. They have achieved numerous trophies.
“It’s comparable to Real Madrid in Asia. Everything is positive; the fans are supportive, they play well, they have talented players, and a strong mentality. I admired this team previously. I faced them with Madrid, and it was never an easy match. It was a competitive game, so I have fond memories. Today, I’m delighted to be a player for Al Hilal.”
Sources indicate that Benzema, 38, felt undervalued by the contract extension offered by Al Ittihad.
The Al Ittihad agreement from the Saudi Pro League, which manages contracts for key players in clubs owned by the PIF (Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund), would have effectively meant that the 2022 Ballon d’Or winner would play without compensation, sources revealed.
Benzema, who received offers from European clubs, chose to remain in Saudi Arabia, partly due to his image rights contract there lasting until 2030.
His transfer to Al Hilal, facilitated by PIF, has reportedly upset Benzema’s former Madrid teammate Cristiano Ronaldo, who leads rivals Al Nassr.
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According to sources, Ronaldo refused to participate in his club’s match on Monday in protest, claiming that PIF was not sufficiently investing in Al Nassr and was instead favoring Al Hilal.
Ronaldo is seeking to capture his first major title with Al Nassr, and his team currently sits second in the Saudi Pro League standings, just one point behind Al Hilal.
Benzema, who played a key role in Al Ittihad’s triumph in the Saudi Pro League and the King’s Cup last season, is eager for additional silverware.
“[It’s a] clear message,” he remarked. “You know my mentality. I possess a great deal of ambition. I will work hard and give my all on the pitch. I will support this team and, inshallah, win trophies. For me, it is more important to bring home trophies. As I mentioned earlier, we have a strong team, dedicated fans, and together, inshallah, we will achieve it.”
Benzema arrived in Saudi Arabia in the summer of 2023 after winning 25 trophies with Madrid, including four LaLiga titles, three Copa del Rey titles, and five Champions League titles.
He has scored eight goals in 14 league matches this season.
His debut match with Al Hilal will be Thursday’s league fixture against Al-Okhdood Club.
