After being unveiled as an Al Ittihad star in front of 60 000 people on Thursday, ex-Real Madrid captain Karim Benzema revealed why he chose to move to Saudi Arabia, and the reasoning will surprise some.
The former France star recently ended his 14-year stay at the Santiago Bernabeu, having won 25 trophies with the Spanish giants, including five UEFA Champions League titles.
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During his farewell ceremony at Real, the 35-year-old admitted he had imagined himself retiring in Madrid, but a fresh start in the Middle East seems to have convinced him otherwise.
On Thursday, he was given a rapturous welcome at the King Abdullah Sport City Stadium for his unveiling, and had the 2022 Ballon d'Or award with him.
With his preferred No. 9 jersey also handed to him, the striker opened up about why he opted for the Saudi Pro League after signing a three-year contract worth a reported £258 million (R6.1 billion).
"I am a Muslim and it is a Muslim country. I have always wanted to live there," the Frenchman said during his first press conference as an Al Ittihad player, according to Spanish outlet Fichajes.
"I have already been to Saudi Arabia and I feel good there. The most important thing is that it is a Muslim country, dear and beautiful.
"When I spoke to my family about my signing for Saudi Arabia, everyone was very happy and here I am, for me it's where I want to be.
"It is also important that Cristiano Ronaldo is in Saudi Arabia, because he is a very important player. He brings a lot to football in this country and that will raise his level of play even more."
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With the 2023/24 Saudi Pro League campaign beginning on 11 August, more high-profile players are expected to make the switch to the Gulf state, including Sergio Ramos and N'Golo Kante.
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