“Well with everything I’ve made and gained with Real Madrid, I think it was for me the good moment to try a new challenge…For a really long time even before football, I always wanted to come here. Also, it’s a Muslim country. Straight away I felt this love for me. On and off the pitch I feel good. This country welcomed me with open arms. I feel the love of the people here so obviously that makes me happy.”

-Karim Benzema, 2022 Ballon d’Or winner who joined Al Ittihad this summer. [Saudi Pro League website]