Football can bring excitement and joy, but when money reigns supreme, stars can also find themselves in trouble in their careers. Recently, according to Spanish media outlet Relevo, French striker Karim Benzema expressed his disappointment and frustration with the experience of playing in the Saudi league. Although his bank account numbers were getting bigger and bigger, his mind seemed to be getting more and more empty.
According to Benzema, he has felt unprecedented pressure and challenge in the Saudi league. He was disappointed by the low standard of the competition, poor competition facilities and unprofessionalism in some areas. He has expressed his anger in a conversation with an old Real Madrid team-mate, bluntly about the gap between the Saudi league and Europe's top leagues.
Not only that, Benzema also said that the fan atmosphere in the Saudi league also made him uncomfortable. Compared to the enthusiastic fan support of Real Madrid or France, fans in the Saudi league seem to be more aloof, and sometimes even unfriendly. This made him feel that his dedication and efforts were not being respected as they should be.
In fact, Benzema's performance in the Saudi league has not lived up to expectations. Although he has scored 15 goals in 29 games, such statistics are still far from his performance at his peak. What's more, his Jeddah United club has not achieved impressive results in the Saudi league, which has also put Benzema under pressure.
Injuries have hit the veteran even harder, preventing him from making the most of his talents on the pitch. In the days when he missed the game due to injury, anger and helplessness intertwined, leaving him feeling powerless. Benzema confided his feelings to his old Real Madrid team-mates, and those who have played side by side can undoubtedly feel his frustration and pain.
Now, Benzema faces an important choice: should he remain in the Saudi league and endure the ordeal, or will he choose to leave and find a new home? It was undoubtedly a difficult decision for the 36-year-old veteran. Whatever his choice, we hope the former football superstar finds his own happiness.