{"id":13627,"date":"2023-10-12T23:18:07","date_gmt":"2023-10-12T23:18:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/news.pakistaninewspaperlist.com\/benzema-tempted-by-saudi-arabias-huge-football-project-the-express-tribune\/"},"modified":"2023-10-12T23:18:07","modified_gmt":"2023-10-12T23:18:07","slug":"benzema-tempted-by-saudi-arabias-huge-football-project-the-express-tribune","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pakistaninewspaperlist.com\/news\/benzema-tempted-by-saudi-arabias-huge-football-project-the-express-tribune\/","title":{"rendered":"Benzema tempted by Saudi Arabia’s ‘huge’ football project | The Express Tribune"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\nSAUDI ARAB:
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Karim Benzema was lured by Saudi Arabia’s “huge project” and the fact it is a Muslim country when he decided to end a trophy-laden stint with Real Madrid to move to Al-Ittihad, the French striker said on Wednesday.<\/p>\n

Benzema became one of many big names to move to the Saudi Pro League when he joined Al-Ittihad as a free agent in June, signing a deal reportedly worth more than 100 million euros ($106 million) after ending his glittering 14-year stay at Real.<\/p>\n

He was joined by compatriot and World Cup winner N’Golo Kante<\/a>, Brazilian midfielder Fabinho and Portuguese winger Jota as Al-Ittihad splashed out in a bid to retain their league title amid fierce competition from big-spending challengers.<\/p>\n

“When the football project started here, it seemed like a huge project in all respects, and I wanted to be a part of it and help advance the game in Saudi Arabia, and this is one of the reasons that made me come here,” Benzema<\/a> said in an interview with the Saudi Pro League, posted on messaging platform X.<\/p>\n

“Also, Saudi Arabia is a Muslim country and they welcomed me with open hands, and I felt loved immediately. As a Muslim when you are in Mecca you feel at peace \u2026 it is an exceptional place.”<\/p>\n

Benzema has scored three goals in seven league matches this season and provided two assists. “There is a lot of passion and football history here and I am happy with the level of the game. I am really surprised by the level in Saudi Arabia because in Europe we don’t watch a lot of football matches here,” the 35-year-old added.<\/p>\n

“But now there are lots of people (in Europe) who are watching the Saudi league after many big names were brought in.” Al-Ittihad lie fourth in the league table with 19 points, four adrift of leaders Al-Hilal.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n