The French forward turned down a contract extension to remain at Al Ittihad beyond June and instead joined Saudi Pro League leaders Al Hilal on Monday.
Speaking for the first time since his move, the former Madrid captain and 2022 Ballon d’Or winner told the club’s website: “It’s good. I’m happy to be here. After my first training with the coach, I’m very happy and pleased to be part of this team.
“It’s a good team with a good history. They’ve won a lot of trophies.”
“It’s like Real Madrid in Asia. Everything is good, the fans are good, they play well, they have good players, they have a good mentality.
“I already liked this team. I used to play against them with Madrid and it was not an easy game. It was a good game so I have good memories. Today I am happy because I am an Al Hilal player.”
According to sources, 38-year-old Benzema felt insulted by the contract extension given to him by Al Ittihad.
Sources said the deal with Al Ittihad from the Saudi Pro League, which handles the contracts of main players at PIF (Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund)-owned clubs, will effectively see the experienced striker play for free.
Benzema, who had offers from European clubs, decided to stay in Saudi Arabia, partly because his image rights deal there runs until 2030.
His move to PIF-organized Al Hilal has reportedly angered Benzema’s former Madrid teammate Cristiano Ronaldo, who is captain of rivals Al Nassr.
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According to sources, Ronaldo refused to play for his club on Monday in protest because the PIF was not investing enough in Al Nassr and was instead favoring Al Hilal.
Ronaldo is trying to win his first major title with Al Nassr and his team are second in the Saudi Pro League standings, one point behind Al Hilal.
Benzema, who played a key role in helping Al Ittihad win the league crown and the King’s Cup last season, said he is hungry for more silverware.
“(It’s a) clear message,” he said. “You know my mentality. I have a lot of ambition. I will work, I will give everything on the field. I will help this team and, Inshallah, win trophies. It is more important for me to bring trophies. As I said before, we have a good team, good fans and together, Inshallah, we will do it.”
Benzema arrives in Saudi Arabia in the summer of 2023 having won 25 trophies with Madrid, including four La Liga, three Copas del Rey and five Champions League titles.
He has eight goals in 14 league games this season.
His first game with Al Hilal will be a league clash at Al Okhdood on Thursday.
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