Karim Benzema's Tense Exchange Over Al-Ittihad Departure
Karim Benzema, the 2023 Ballon d'Or winner and new Al-Hilal signing, found himself in a heated moment during a post-match interview following his spectacular debut for his new club. The 38-year-old former Real Madrid striker had just slammed a hat-trick against Al Akhdoud on Thursday night, showcasing his enduring prowess on the field. However, the celebratory mood turned tense when a reporter pressed him on why he left his previous team, Al-Ittihad.
'Ask Them... Ask the Al-Ittihad Players'
Initially, Benzema attempted to steer the conversation back to the match, stating, "Let's talk about the match only. I feel a great vibe with this group and this club." When the reporter persisted, specifically questioning why he did not say goodbye to Al-Ittihad, Benzema delivered a pointed retort: "Ask them... ask the Al-Ittihad players." This sharp response highlighted the underlying tensions surrounding his exit, though Benzema did not elaborate further on the reasons behind his departure.
Benzema's Impactful Stint with Al-Ittihad
Benzema joined Al-Ittihad as a free agent in the summer of 2023, fresh off his Ballon d'Or victory. During his time with the club, he made a significant impact, scoring 16 goals in 21 matches across all competitions this season. Alongside teammates like French midfielder Ngolo Kante and Brazilian Fabinho, he played a crucial role in helping Al-Ittihad secure a title last season. Despite this success, Benzema ultimately denied a contract renewal from Al-Ittihad before making the move to Al-Hilal, a decision that has sparked curiosity and speculation in the football world.
Al-Hilal's Dominance in the Saudi Pro League
Al-Hilal, where Benzema now plies his trade, is currently sitting at the top of the Saudi Pro League standings with 47 points, just one point ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr. In contrast, Al-Ittihad finds itself in sixth place with 34 points. Al-Hilal boasts an impressive legacy as Saudi Arabia's most successful team, with 21 league titles and four Asian Championships to its name. The club made headlines last year by stunning Manchester City with a 4-3 victory at the Club World Cup, knocking out Pep Guardiola's side in a memorable upset.
Broader Context: Saudi League's Rising Profile
Coached by two-time Champions League finalist Simone Inzaghi, Al-Hilal represents a formidable threat to Ronaldo's aspirations of clinching the league championship. Benzema's transfer is part of a broader wave of top-tier football talent migrating to the Saudi Pro League, which has been actively recruiting star players to elevate its global stature. This move comes amid reports of Ronaldo's dissatisfaction with Al-Nassr's transfer activities, though issues seem to have been resolved as the Portuguese icon returned to training with his club earlier this week. Benzema's arrival at Al-Hilal not only strengthens the team's offensive lineup but also adds to the intense rivalry and competitive dynamics within the league, setting the stage for an exciting season ahead.
