‘As a Muslim when you are in Mecca…,’ Karim Benzema reveals why he left Real Madrid for Al-Ittihad

French striker Karim Benzema explained his decision to leave Real Madrid and join Al-Ittihad in the Saudi Pro League. He cited the allure of Saudi Arabia’s ambitious football project and the country’s Muslim identity as key factors in his move. Benzema also highlighted the warm welcome he received in Saudi Arabia and the sense of being loved as a Muslim in a Muslim country.