Karim Benzema hails Al-Hilal as 'Real Madrid in Asia' after controversial switch angers Cristiano Ronaldo | OneFootball

Karim Benzema has dubbed Al-Hilal the 'Real Madrid in Asia' after completing a switch from Al-Ittihad that has reportedly angered Al-Nassr captain Cristiano Ronaldo, who is said to have tried to block the move. According to Goal.com, the Frenchman made the comparison as he arrived aiming to add more silverware.

Fresh from his first session under Jorge Jesus, the 2022 Ballon d'Or winner said he was happy to join a team with history and trophies, adding that Al-Hilal are 'Real Madrid in Asia'. The former Real Madrid striker spent 14 years at the Bernabeu and said the club's stature and mentality felt familiar.

The 38-year-old added that he had long admired Al-Hilal, recalling testing friendlies against them during his Madrid days. He said he was pleased to be wearing their colours now.

Relations with Al-Ittihad had soured, with the forward feeling disrespected by proposed extension terms. ESPN reports the PIF-managed offer structure would effectively have left him playing for free, while a lucrative image-rights agreement in the Kingdom runs until 2030. The Public Investment Fund then moved him to the league leaders, with the player declining offers to return to Europe.

Ronaldo is said to be furious at the transfer and, per the report, refused to play on Monday in protest at what he views as uneven PIF investment favouring Al-Hilal. Record writes that he has nevertheless trained as normal this week for Jorge Jesus' team. Al-Nassr trail Al-Hilal by one point.

Benzema says his focus is trophies and that he will work to help the team win, inshallah. He has eight goals in 14 league games this season and is expected to debut on Thursday against Al Okhdood.

Source: Goal.com