Karim Benzema likens Al-Hilal to Real Madrid and sets trophy aim | OneFootball

Karim Benzema has compared Al-Hilal to Real Madrid and set out a trophy-focused mission after completing his switch from rivals Al-Ittihad.

The move followed a breakdown in talks with Al-Ittihad. ESPN reports the extension on offer, centrally managed for PIF-owned clubs, would have effectively left him playing for free, while an image rights deal in Saudi Arabia runs until 2030.

"It's good. I'm happy to be here," he told the club's website after his first session under Jorge Jesus. "After my first training with the team, with the coach, I'm so happy and glad to be a part of this team. It's a good team, with a good history. They have won a lot of trophies." He added: "It's similar, like Real Madrid in Asia. Everything is good, the fans are good, they play well, they have good players, they have a good mentality."

The 38-year-old said he has long admired Al-Hilal. "I liked this team from before. I used to play against them with Madrid and it was not an easy game. It was a good game so I have good memories. Today I'm happy because I'm a player of Al-Hilal."

The transfer was orchestrated by the PIF to keep a marquee name in the league leaders' squad. Benzema, a 25-time trophy winner at Real Madrid who lifted the league and King’s Cup with Al-Ittihad last season, pledged to work and give everything to help deliver more silverware. He has scored eight goals in 14 league games this season and is expected to debut on Thursday against Al Okhdood.

Source: Goal.com