Karim Benzema, a professional footballer, has said that moving to Al Ittihad was motivated by the chance to live in Saudi Arabia, a mainly Muslim nation.
The 35-year-old, who is a practising Muslim and who moved from Real Madrid to Al Ittihad on Tuesday after the Saudi Pro League winners made him a generous offer, accepted the latter.
“It’s a Muslim nation and I’m a Muslim. Living there has always been a dream of mine. Having visited Saudi Arabia before, Benzema is confident in his decision. For me, it’s the ideal place to be… For my new team, the most essential thing is to contribute my football skills, but I also want to help them win championships.
Benzema’s three-year deal with Saudi Pro League team Al-Ittihad pays him an astounding £643 million. He also moves to a Muslim nation. His daily salary is astronomical, averaging over £471,000.
When he departed Real Madrid in 2022, the 2022 Ballon d’Or winner was the club’s all-time number two scorer, behind only Cristiano Ronaldo. Having joined Los Blancos from Olympique Lyon in 2009, he has scored 354 goals and won 25 championships, including five UEFA Champions Leagues.
