“I wanted to come even before I played soccer” Why “Muslim” Benzema Is Going to Saudi Arabia

Benzema appeared on the Saudi Professional League’s official media channel on the 12th (Korea Standard Time), saying, “I think everything I made and gained in Real Madrid was a good moment for me to try new challenges.”

Benzema, who signed a six-year contract with Real in the summer of 2009 after joining Olympique Lyon (France), immediately became the mainstay of the team along with Kaka and Cristiano Ronaldo (38, Al-Nasr). 온라인카지노

Benzema played for Real for 14 seasons. Above all, he scored 354 goals in 648 games, taking charge of Real’s front line. Except for his first season, 2016-2017 season (19 goals), and 2017-2018 season (12 goals), he scored more than 20 goals in 11 seasons.

Benzema and Real looked to extend their contracts after the 2022-2023 season. Real felt the decline in form due to aging, but there was no resource to replace Benzema right away. Benzema also scored 25 goals and 5 assists in 31 games in the final season.

However, Benzema gave up staying in Real. And I chose to go to Saudi Arabia. In the end, Benzema wore the Altihard uniform under a contract worth 200 million euros (about 284 billion won). The contract is due in 2025.

“For a really long time, even before playing soccer, I’ve always wanted to come here,” Benzema said. “It’s also an Islamic country. I immediately felt the love for me. I feel good inside and outside the stadium,” he explained. Benzema has 10 goals (three league goals) in a total of 11 games for al – ittihad.

This is also what Benzema said after his transfer to Al ITHARD in June. Benzema said at the time, “I wanted to continue living because I am a Muslim and this is an Islamic country.” Benzema is from France but has immigrant parents from the Islamic State of Algeria.

Benzema continued, “This country welcomed me with open arms. I’m really happy to feel the love of the people here,” he said. “I really want to help Saudi soccer grow. Al-Etihad was a project that emerged from all fields and I wanted to be a part of it. That’s why I’m here,” he stressed.

Benzema was surprised not only by himself, but also by the fact that top European players such as Ronaldo, Sadio Mane (Al-Nasr) and Riyad Mahrez (Al-Ahli) are flocking to the Saudi league one after another.