After several weeks of rumors about his departure, which some media took for granted, Karim Benzema explained, in an interview for GQ, that he has no intention of leaving Saudi football, where he arrived last summer. The Al Ittihad footballer believes that Saudi Arabia is an "exceptional place" where, as a Muslim, he feels at "peace."
The alleged discomfort of the former Real Madrid player was born, among other things, due to some disagreements with his coach, the Argentine Marcelo Gallardo, who would have reproached his pupil for his lack of intensity in training. Some media outlets pointed out that the Frenchman had been absent from several work sessions.
Then came another controversial chapter. The Saudi competition stopped in January, but Benzema did not show up on the day he returned to training, apparently after being trapped by a cyclone that hit the island of Mauritius, where he was spending his holidays.
"Saudi Arabia is an exceptional place. I am at peace here. It is a new challenge that I like, a long-term project in a Muslim country. As a Muslim, when I am in Mecca, I feel peace," said the Frenchman, in addition to point out that his role in this new stage goes more from the field, a footballer who is also an "ambassador" to "bring great European players in the near future."
The goal is to raise the Saudi league "to the same level as European leagues." Last summer, great footballers arrived from the old continent, attracted by the big salaries, but in recent times some players have changed their opinion. Jordan Henderson, for example, terminated his contract and signed for Ajax in the winter market.
Benzema, 36, has retirement in mind, but it is still not clear when it will be. Perhaps Saudi Arabia is his last stage as a footballer. "Time will tell, but I am the one who will choose when my career will end," said the Frenchman, who "would like to be remembered as someone who started from scratch and managed to reach the top alone, despite the obstacles."
