Benzema erupts in anger over the drama between Ronaldo and the Saudi Pro League

Although he netted a hat-trick in his first game, the attention Benzema received was solely focused on the controversy between his ex-teammate Cristiano Ronaldo and the PIF.

The Saudi Pro League has become the center of global football attention, not for the quality of matches, but due to the drama surrounding Cristiano Ronaldo and the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF). The event that triggered the breaking point was Karim Benzema’s transfer from Al Ittihad to Al Hilal.

Benzema’s former teammate at Real Madrid, Ronaldo strongly opposed this idea, claiming it was unfair competition. Despite the Portuguese star going on strike to express his stance, the transfer went ahead.

Benzema even scored a hat-trick on his debut for the new club. Nevertheless, his performance was overshadowed by off-field issues. This was evident in the post-match interview when the French striker lost his temper over repeated questions about the matter. A reporter kept pressing him on why he chose to leave Al Ittihad for Al Hilal.

“Do you want to talk about the match or about that? Let’s talk about the match,” the 2022 Ballon d’Or winner responded. “It was a good performance. I feel fine. With players like these in the team, we play and fight together.”

The journalist continued to ask: “Do you mean that the Al Hilal players help you more than those at Al Ittihad?” Benzema rebutted: “I didn’t say that. I said I feel fine, that’s different.”

Then, Benzema was asked again: “Why didn’t you say goodbye to the Al Ittihad players?” Benzema immediately replied, clearly annoyed: “What? Do you know? Do you know? Ask them.”

The 36-year-old striker maintained a calm demeanor, repeatedly expressing his desire to only discuss the recent match and the positive atmosphere at Al Hilal. Only when directly questioned about his relationship with former teammates did Benzema give the brief answer above and then ended the interview.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirmed that Ronaldo plans to boycott the Al Nassr match against Al Ittihad on the early morning of February 7 as a continued protest. The Portuguese star is said to remain “frustrated” with how the PIF manages several Saudi clubs, including his own team.

According to CBS Sports sources, Cristiano Ronaldo has warned senior Saudi Pro League officials that he is prepared to leave Saudi Arabia due to dissatisfaction with recent transfer activities in the league.