When you are in Mecca, you find peace — Benzema opens up on dumping Real Madrid for Saudi Arabia

Karim Benzema decided to end his 14-year association with Real Madrid by moving to Saudi Arabia over the summer.

Benzema enjoyed a hugely successful time in Spain, Spain, making 648 appearances, scoring 354 goals, and providing 165 assists across all competitions for Real Madrid.

Speaking on his move, (via Times of India), Benzema said:

"I am very happy and proud with everything I have done and won with Real Madrid, but I think for me it was a good time to try something new in my life after everything I had already won in Madrid."

The 35-year-old also added that being in Mecca and living in a Muslim country played an exceptional role in his decision to move.

"As a Muslim, when you are in Mecca you feel at peace. It’s an exceptional place. 

"Saudi Arabia is a Muslim country. They welcomed me with open arms and I felt loved immediately."

Benzema has been his usual self, scoring and assisting goals while making the adjustment to playing in a different system.

 In the seven appearances the ex-Lyon player has made so far since he moved to Al-Ittihad, he has scored three goals and assisted two more.