Karim Benzema wants to bring trophies to his new club, Al Hilal, which he describes as “the Real Madrid of Asia.”
The French striker rejected a contract extension to remain at Al Ittihad beyond June and instead joined Saudi Pro League leaders Al Hilal on Monday.
Speaking for the first time since his transfer, the former Real Madrid captain told the club’s official website that he is happy, while comparing his new team to the legendary Spanish club, Real Madrid.
“It’s good. I’m happy to be here. After my first training session with the team and the coach, I’m very happy and satisfied to be part of this team. It’s a good team with a great history. They have won many trophies,” Benzema said initially.
“It’s similar, like Real Madrid in Asia. Everything is good — the fans are good, they play well, they have good players and a strong mentality. I liked this team even before. I played against them with Madrid and it wasn’t an easy match. It was a good game, so I have good memories. Today I’m happy because I’m an Al Hilal player,” the Frenchman concluded.
According to sources, the 38-year-old felt disrespected by the contract extension offered to him by Al Ittihad. The deal, proposed through the Saudi Pro League — which oversees contracts for key players at clubs owned by PIF (Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund) — would have effectively seen the 2022 Ballon d’Or winner play for free.
Benzema, who had offers from European clubs, decided to remain in Saudi Arabia, partly because his image rights contract there runs until 2030.
His transfer to Al Hilal, orchestrated by PIF, has angered Benzema’s former Madrid teammate Cristiano Ronaldo, who is the captain of rivals Al Nassr.
According to sources, Ronaldo refused to play for his club on Monday in protest, claiming that PIF was not investing enough in Al Nassr and was instead giving Al Hilal an advantage.
Ronaldo is seeking to win his first major title with Al Nassr, and his team currently sits second in the Saudi Pro League standings, one point behind Al Hilal.
Benzema arrived in Saudi Arabia in the summer of 2023 after winning 25 trophies with Real Madrid, including four La Liga titles, three Copa del Rey trophies, and five Champions League titles.
He has scored eight goals in 14 league matches this season, while his first game with Al Hilal will be a league match on Thursday against Al-Okhdood Club.
