After visiting his former teammates, Karim Benzema spoke to a major interview with the daily Marca.
Are you enjoying your second season in Saudi football?
Yes. The team is doing well, my teammates are doing well, the supporters are appreciative, the club is happy. Everything is perfect. We are on track to achieve important things this season. There is still much to do. On the pitch, I give everything for the team and the fans and I hope they are satisfied with what I do.
117th minute, extra time and this is where Benzema comes on the scene to carry out an action which brings Al Attihad to penalties to eliminate Al Hilal.
Like I said, I’m having a good season. I feel good, with a lot of enthusiasm and I think the match against Al Hilal was a good match for everyone and for me too.
What did you think when you scored that goal in the 117th minute?
It was a bit special because they are very difficult matches and scoring in the last minute always attracts attention. I’m not going to say it’s like the Real Madrid comebacks, but it looked a bit like it.
Even the goal was similar to one you scored against PSG…
A little yes (laughs).
What is the challenge you have set for yourself here?
I want to continue to win. I intend to win a title with Al Ittihad. It’s complicated because the level has risen a lot and the teams are strong, much better than before. We will work hard and continue like this, because we haven’t won anything yet.
A few days ago, we read that you had decided to leave football at the end of the season.
No, no. These are the words of I don’t know who. It’s nonsense. I have no limit to tell myself that in two, three or four years, I will stop playing football. I feel good, thank God. My body is fine. I prepare well and we will see how I feel each year.
Real Madrid already seem to have found their best version, what do you think of your old team?
Real Madrid is still Real Madrid, that is to say, it is a team made to win everything, to triumph. They are still here because they win titles and now they have the opportunity to win another one.
Do you miss Real Madrid?
As always. This is my club. I have spent half my life there and I feel at home there. I always watch Real Madrid matches.
You visited the Madrilenians at the hotel in Jeddah, what did you say to your former teammates?
We talked more like friends. It’s funny, but we talked more about life than football. It was nice. I watch the matches and we talk a little. With Vinicius, for example, we talked about the Ballon d’Or, but basically it was a discussion with everyone, about simple things, about life.
What did you say to Vinicius?
That he doesn’t make a fuss of it, that he shouldn’t lower his intensity at all because he is the best in the world and one day he will win the Ballon d’Or.
Ancelotti found himself without you when he didn’t expect it, how did the reunion go?
He’s a great coach. I feel very good with him, like friends.
He was unable to see his great friend at Real Madrid, the one who was his greatest support in difficult times…
Yes, Florentino Pérez was not there. I spoke to him by WhatsApp and told him that we had to meet and that since he is coming I will see him before the final and we will talk.
Does the idea of one day returning to Real cross your mind?
Yes, of course, why not. For now, I am in Jeddah and I am doing very well. The time will come to see how life goes and I’m sure I’ll be close to Madrid.
Do you remember the fans, your life in Madrid?
I want to send a message to the people of Madrid because I am still with Real Madrid. It’s a team that wins titles. I’m sure this year will show again that Real Madrid is the best club in the world. Hala Madrid!
