'A lot of passion': Karim Benzema reveals why Saudi's football landscape is unique from Europe

Saudi Pro League created a sensation in the summer transfer window as a host of top players switched their allegations to Saudi Arabian clubs. Cristiano Ronaldo joined Al-Nassr from Manchester United at the start of this year and it seems to be the start of a new beginning. The likes of N'Golo Kante and Karim Benzema were among the prominent names who arrived in the Middle Eastern country. 

3 things you need to know

• Karim Benzema joined Al-Ittihad from Real Madrid
• Benzema spent a long 14 years at the Santiago Bernabeu
• The forward has almost all the coveted trophies in his cabinet

Karim Benzema opens up on life in the Saudi Pro League

Benzema decided to put an end to his glorious Real Madrid career as the French international was roped in by the defending Saudi Pro League champions AL-Ittihad this summer. The forward reportedly put pen to paper for a three year deal which will reportedly see him earning to to the tune of a staggering £250 million, making him one of the highest paid players in the league. 

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Benzema has settled in quite nicely and has been involved in five goals in the Saudi top flight. The player revealed he is quite happy with the quality of football in the country and is happy with his decision to venture into a new challenge in his life.

As quoted by AS he said, "When the football project started in Saudi Arabia, it seemed huge in all aspects. I wanted to be a part of it and help football move forward in this country.

“There is a lot of passion here and I am happy with the level of the game. I'm really surprised by the level in Saudi Arabia because in Europe we don't see many football matches here. Now, they do.

“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.”