Karim Benzema has recently made the news headlines after completing a free transfer from Al-Ittihad to Saudi Pro League leaders Al-Hilal in the winter window. And, he has opened up on why he chose not to personally bid farewell to his former teammates.
Karim Benzema Tight-Lipped About Al-Ittihad Departure
After allegedly feeling disrespected by Al-Ittihad’s contract renewal offer, Benzema missed two of his former club’s matches last month to push for a move. Ultimately, the ex-Real Madrid star secured a Bosman move to Al-Hilal on Monday, Feb. 2.
Earlier this Thursday, Feb. 5, the Frenchman made his Al-Hilal debut in an away Saudi Pro League clash against Al-Okhdood. He helped his side register a commanding 6-0 win, scoring a hat-trick and providing an assist as well in 72 minutes of action.
After the end of the recent league clash at Al-Okhdood, Benzema was asked why he left Al-Ittihad during a post-match interaction with a reporter. He responded, “Let’s talk about the match only. I feel a great vibe with this group and this club.”
Pressed further on why he chose to not say his goodbyes at Al-Ittihad, the 38-year-old star replied in a cryptic manner, “Ask them, ask them… ask the Al-Ittihad players.”
After completing his recent transfer away from Al-Ittihad, Benzema offered his gratitude to his former club and his former teammates and fans in a social media post.
“Al-Ittihad, this chapter comes to an end, but the respect and gratitude will always remain. Thank you to the club, the staff, my teammates, and especially the fans for the welcome, the love, and the energy you gave me every day. This journey gave me a lot, both personally and professionally. I leave with my head held high, proud to have worn these colors and of everything we shared. I wish you all the best for what’s next,” he wrote on X.
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Upon joining Al-Hilal, the 2022 Ballon d’Or winner labelled his new club as Asia’s version of Real Madrid, where he won 25 trophies between 2009 and 2023.
“It’s good… I’m happy to be here. After my first training with the team, with the coach, I’m so happy and glad to be a part of this team. It’s a good team, with good history. They have won a lot of trophies. It’s similar, like Real Madrid in Asia. Everything is good… the fans are good, they play well, they have good players,” he told Al-Hilal’s official website.
Benzema has netted 19 goals in 22 total games for Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad so far this term.
