Because I Am a Muslim — Karim Benzema on Saudi move

Benzema completed his move from Real Madrid to Al-Ittihad on Tuesday and was unveiled in front of 60,000 people at the club’s King Abdullah Sports City. 

Speaking to the  Al Ittihad club media, when asked why he chose the club, the forward replied:

 “Because it’s one of the top clubs in Saudi Arabia. It’s a club that sees a lot of passion from the fans and has many trophies.

When asked why Saudi Arabia, Benzema added: “Because I’m Muslim and this is a Muslim country, and I have always wanted to live here.

“It’s different, it’s different to Europe. I’ve already been to Saudi Arabia and I feel good about it. Most importantly, it’s a Muslim country, it’s beloved and it’s beautiful.

“It’s where I want to be because it’s important for me to be in a Muslim country, where I feel people (are) already like me. It will allow me to have a new life and I can’t wait to live there and to speak Arabic fluently, it’s important for me.

Benzema will earn a reported €200m a year for playing in Saudi Arabia and Al-Ittihad are primed to add more superstars before the close of the window.