Karim Benzema: Al-Hilal is similar to Real Madrid, and that's the secret to my admiration for the club
In his first official appearance wearing the "Leader" jersey, French superstar Karim Benzema expressed his immense happiness at joining Al-Hilal, describing the move as a pivotal moment and a new challenge in his illustrious career. Benzema's comments came after his first training session and meeting with the coaching staff and his teammates. The club's official account posted the first interview, which revealed the French striker's eagerness to begin his journey with the Blue Wave.
Al-Hilal and Real Madrid: The same winning mentality
Benzema made a striking statement comparing Al-Hilal to his former club, Real Madrid, noting that the two clubs share "prestige, history, and a winning mentality." Benzema said, "Al-Hilal is a great club with a history studded with achievements. It's a major club in Asia, and it can be compared to Real Madrid in terms of prestige and fan base." He added that the professional environment within Al-Hilal, from the quality of the players to the playing style, reflects the stature of a team accustomed to competing at the highest levels both domestically and continentally.
Club World Cup Memories: The Head-to-Head Match
Benzema reminisced about his time with Al-Hilal, noting his familiarity with the team's strength before joining. The French star also touched upon the famous encounter between Real Madrid and Al-Hilal (referring to the 2022 FIFA Club World Cup final in Morocco), saying: "I've admired Al-Hilal for years, and I previously played against them while wearing the Real Madrid jersey. That match was anything but easy; it was a tough and competitive encounter that left a wonderful impression and special memories." That match is considered historic by all accounts, as Al-Hilal displayed great competitiveness against the European champions, cementing their global standing.
A sensational deal and limitless ambitions
Benzema's move to Al-Hilal from Al-Ittihad during the winter transfer window was one of the most prominent deals that captured attention both locally and internationally, given the significant technical value the former Ballon d'Or winner brings. Regarding his ambitions, Benzema affirmed that his sole aim is to win trophies, saying: "My ambitions have been clear from day one; I will do my utmost and give everything I have on the pitch to help the team achieve its goals and win titles.".
Fan base and future aspirations
Benzema concluded his remarks by praising Al-Hilal's vast fan base, expressing his confidence in the current squad and their ability to achieve collective success. Fans of the "Blue Wave" eagerly await the opportunity to see Benzema's synergy with the team's stars in upcoming matches, relying on his extensive experience to lead the team to further domestic and Asian titles.
