Karim Benzema following inaugural hat trick: ‘We require’ the supporters
Karim Benzema expressed gratitude to Al Hilal supporters following his hat trick on his debut for the Saudi Pro League team.
The French striker joined the Saudi Pro League frontrunners from rivals Al Ittihad on Monday and made an instant impression.
Benzema was awarded man of the match after netting three goals and providing an assist in Thursday’s 6-0 league victory against Al Okhdood.
“I’m happy,” Benzema stated after the match.
“I’m pleased because I performed well, we played well, we maintained a clean sheet, and we scored.”
“Thank you to all the fans. We need their support every match.”
“Everyone has been great to me. They give me everything, so when I’m on the field, I give everything back to them.”
Benzema arrived in Saudi Arabia in the summer of 2023 after a successful 14-year career.
The 2022 Ballon d’Or recipient played a key role in Al Ittihad’s league title and King’s Cup triumph last season.
However, Benzema, 38, opted to transfer to Al Hilal in January, as sources indicate he felt undervalued by the contract extension Al Ittihad proposed to keep him at the club beyond June.
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