Karim Benzema has refused to comment on why he did not meet the Al-Ittihad players before leaving for Al-Hilal. The Frenchman scored a hat-trick on his debut for the Saudi Pro League leaders on Thursday, February 5.
The Real Madrid icon posted a message on social media after his move to Al-Hilal earlier this week and thanked Al-Ittihad for his spell at the club. He wrote on X (formerly Twitter):
Thanks for the submission!
“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. Respect. KB9”
Despite thanking the teammates in the post, reports suggested that he had not met them in person before his exit. A reporter asked him about his decision to snub the goodbyes, but he refused to comment.
Benzema wanted to focus on the Al-Hilal game, but when the reporter asked him once again about his connection with the Al-Ittihad players. The Frenchman swiftly asked if the reporter knew what was happening at the club, and ended the conversation saying, ‘Ask them’ before leaving.
Karim Benzema reportedly felt disrespected by Al-Ittihad with the contract offered by the club earlier this year, and went on a strike to force the move away.
Karim Benzema calls Al-Hilal the Real Madrid of Asia
Karim Benzema spoke to the media team at Al-Hilal after joining the club and made a bold comment about the Saudi Pro League side. He hailed them as the Real Madrid of Asia in his interview because of the trophies they have won and said:
“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 a 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, they have a good mentality.”
“I liked this team from before. 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’m happy because I’m a player of Al Hilal.”
Al-Hilal are now four points clear at the top of the table, and the addition of Karim Benzema helped them end their 3-match winless run in the league.
Edited by Sripad
