His first statements as a player Al Ittihad did the Karim Benzema.
The French-Algerian striker emphasized that one of the reasons he signed for a Saudi Arabian team is because he embraces Muslimism. At the same time, he also referred to his old teammate and good friend, Cristiano Ronaldo.
His statements in detail:
“I feel good and I am happy to play in this legendary club. Of course it’s a challenge for me, a new life and I can’t wait to start.
It is a club that has fans with a lot of passion and a lot of trophies. Why in Saudi Arabia? I am a Muslim and this is a Muslim country. I always wanted to live here.
I played for Real, I won there and I’m proud that I had the opportunity to represent Madrid and finish the way I wanted. I wish to bring my football to my new team and most importantly win titles. I like to win.
It is a new chapter for me and I would like to help develop the team more than it is now, even though he is already leading.
I would really like to lift the club up, because it has passion and it deserves to be at the top. The pitch is excellent and as I have already repeated there is a lot of passion. The fans are very important and with their passion they motivate us to do our best on the pitch.
Cristiano Ronaldo is already here. He is a friend and I am glad to see him in Saudi Arabia. It seems that the level of football in the country is improving.
Trophies are very very important. It’s hard to win, but not impossible. In any case we will give our best and I would like to win trophies for the team and the world.
Even if it is difficult, with ambition, competitiveness and talent we can do it. I am very ambitious and would like to achieve something special. Let the fans see themselves through me. I would like to leave a legacy that will last, because I love football.
I have always been competitive to push my limits and go even higher. That is why I am well prepared to give and show my talent. Big names are playing here, Ronaldo is on one side and now I’m here too.
That is why it is important to show that football in Saudi Arabia can have a global impact. It is different from Europe. The most important thing is that it is a Muslim country, where I feel like people already like me.
When I discussed my move to Saudi Arabia with my family, we were all very happy. They will all come with me. The message to all young people who play football, who love it is to have their dreams, work hard, respect the rules of the game, which means respect each other and always enjoy playing.
And don’t give up: we can always succeed when we work. Football is important for women, men, children, for everyone.”
Source: Sport Fm
I am currently a news writer for News Bulletin247 where I mostly cover sports news. I have always been interested in writing and it is something I am very passionate about. In my spare time, I enjoy reading and spending time with my family and friends.
