“We can’t and shouldn’t repeat it” - Karim Benzema addresses rumors after ‘cold hug’ with Cristiano Ronaldo

Karim Benzema has addressed rumors of a strained relationship between him and former Real Madrid teammate Cristiano Ronaldo. The pair, who previously shared the locker room at the Spanish capital, reunited in Saudi Arabia but as opponents.

Benzema and Ronaldo formed part of the famous BBC attacking trio during their time together at Real Madrid, combining for a plethora of goals and winning several trophies.

Since moving to the Middle East in 2023, the two players have faced each other several times, with Al-Ittihad and Al-Nassr locking horns in the Saudi Pro League and other domestic competitions. The last meeting between them came last month, with Karim Benzema’s Al-Ittihad defeating Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr 2-1 in the King’s Cup.

During an interview with Diario AS, Benzema was told that the way he and Ronaldo greeted each other on the pitch during last month’s game between Al-Ittihad and Al-Nassr ‘seemed very cold.’ The French forward, however, dismissed the notion, saying they had already talked and hugged in the dressing room.

“No, please. We talked in the locker room. We hugged, we talked... Then on the pitch we can't or shouldn't do it again,” Benzema said. “The same thing again? There's a lot of respect, we're fine. We don't need to teach anything. We're good. We've both learned from each other. It seems like we have to say things or do things in front of the TV. It's not like that. A lot of respect. We find it on the pitch and each of us focuses on our own game.”

“It’s a country that’s opening up” – Karim Benzema says Saudi Arabia need players like him and Cristiano Ronaldo

In the same interview, Karim Benzema stated that the presence of players like him and Cristiano Ronaldo is important to Saudi Arabia, noting that their experience playing in Europe will help develop football in the country. Since the duo moved to Saudi Arabia, their presence has helped boost the visibility of the Saudi Pro League and attracted other European players.

“Saudi Arabia needs players like Cristiano, or like me, or like others who have come here to give them some of the things we have in Europe. We have to teach the local lads what it takes so they can go to other clubs. It's a country that's opening up. The people are well-mannered in their daily interactions. It's a very good place for me.” the French striker noted.

To date, Karim Benzema has registered 60 goal contributions in 71 appearances for Al-Ittihad, while Cristiano Ronaldo has 103 goals and 21 assists in 116 appearances in all competitions for Al-Nassr.