Karim Benzema clashes with journalist after hat-trick Al-Hilal debut, denies 'didn't say goodbye' claim | OneFootball

Karim Benzema clashed with a journalist after marking his Al-Hilal debut with a hat-trick, rejecting claims he left Al-Ittihad without saying goodbye to team-mates.

His treble completed a 6-0 victory over Al-Akhdoud that put Al-Hilal three points clear at the top, four ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo and Al-Nassr. According to Goal.com, the confrontation came at full-time.

At 38, the former Real Madrid forward moved across Saudi Arabia on a free transfer after a contract dispute saw him frozen out of Al-Ittihad’s short-term plans. He had followed Ronaldo to the Middle East in 2023, signing a lucrative deal soon after winning the Ballon d'Or, and scored more than 50 goals for Al-Ittihad.

“Do you want to talk about the game or do you want to talk about that? Talk about the game. It was a nice performance. I feel good. With these kind of players on this team, we play and fight together.”

Asked if he was suggesting Al-Hilal players help him more than those at Al-Ittihad, he replied: “I didn't say that. I said I feel good - it's different.”

When pressed on why he did not bid farewell in Jeddah, Benzema answered: “What? You know? You know? Ask them.”

Source: Goal.com