Benzema: Zidane is fully qualified to be France coach. The Saudi league needs players like me and Cristiano Ronaldo.

In an exclusive interview with "AS", Jeddah United forward Benzema talked about life in Saudi Arabia and some of the current situations of the French national team.

How is life in Saudi Arabia?

- Very good, just like in Madrid. I love this country and every year it keeps opening up and more and more people come here. I think this is very important for Jeddah and Saudi Arabia. It’s not just football here, there are great restaurants, beaches… lots of things to do.

What does Saudi Arabia mean to you? Don’t forget, you and Cristiano Ronaldo became the trendsetters of Saudi football...

- Saudi Arabia needs players like Cristiano Ronaldo or me, and other players who come here, to impart some of the experience we have in Europe. We need to teach the young guys here how to do it so they can go to other clubs in the future. This is a country that is opening up and people are polite in their daily lives. For me, it's very nice here.

With the league and cup double crown, you have indeed made history

-Yes, I believe this club likes this spirit of transcending itself and has a mentality of creating beautiful football. The fans here are great and they come out to support us every game, whether it's home or away, which is really important for us. Last year we won the Copa del Rey and the league and it was a very beautiful moment and very special for everyone.

Do you feel you are the leader of the team?

- That's what I'm here for, but ultimately it's to help my teammates. If I'm able to give it my all, it's because they gave me the opportunity. Scoring goals is the job of all players and I can give them advice on and off the field to help them improve and one day play for other teams.

Do you feel valued?

- Yes, very taken seriously. When I signed, I had just won the Ballon d'Or. This is not the end of my career, I want to continue playing and enjoying football and I feel very good at this club. The fans are great and the young players are willing to work hard. These are everyday things that I enjoy.

How are the fans?

- I feel very valued. This can be felt at any stadium here. The fans are always with you and give you more confidence.

After years of competing in top-level events, do you still have unfinished goals?

——Continue to score goals, continue to play, make wonderful coordination, and pass on this passion to people. Not just in Saudi Arabia, but across the football world. Every time I go on the court, I want people to see that. I like to do something in training as well.

Regarding the statement that Zidane may become the head coach of the French national team...

- I think he is fully capable of doing the job. He has proven that at Real Madrid. Although there is another coach now, I think Zizou is the best.

Will you return to the French national team?

——The national team is a bit far away from me, but no one can tell now. I am focusing on the matter at hand.

It has been almost three years since you left Real Madrid. Is Real Madrid still your home team?

——Always my home team. I still watch them play whenever I can. This is the best club in the world, always has been and always will be. This is a team with great potential and I believe they can do better than they are now.