Karim Benzema has talked up Al Hilal as "the Real Madrid of Asia" and hailed the quality of their squad - with Cristiano Ronaldo left fuming by the decision to let him join the Saudi Pro Leagueleaders.

Benzema's contract with Al Ittihad was winding down and he was left fuming by their offer, which was going to see him effectively playing for free, and he made a move to their Saudi rivals.

He was one of a number of signings made by the league leaders, who also landed forward Mohamed Meite from Rennais and former Arsenal defender Pablo Marí from Fiorentina as well as two Saudi internationals Murad Al Hawsawi and Sultan Mandash.

Ronaldo meanwhile saw Al Nassr to little business in comparison and attempted to halt Benzema's move by putting pressure on the authorities. He's grown frustrated with PIF, the club's owners, over the lack of investment with the Portugal star yet to win the title since moving to the Middle East.

And now Benzema, winner of the Ballon d'Or only four years ago, has lapped up the quality in the Al Hilal ranks - who are bidding to win another title ahead of Al Nassr.

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The Frenchman told the club's website: "It's good. I'm happy to be here. After my first training with the team, with the coach, I'm so happy and glad to be a part of this team. It's a good team, with a good history. They have won a lot of trophies.

"It's similar, like Real Madrid in Asia. Everything is good, the fans are good, they play well, they have good players, they have a good mentality. I liked this team from before. I used to play against them with Madrid and it was not an easy game. It was a good game so I have good memories. Today I'm happy because I'm a player of Al Hilal."

Benzema had offers from European clubs, but decided to stay in Saudi Arabia, partly due his image rights deal there, which runs until 2030. In light of the Frenchman's move to Al Hilal Ronaldo refused to play for his club on Monday as a protest with his frustration with PIF mounting.

There is an expectation that the Saudi Pro League will pursue big name signings this summer. They will have the financial headroom to go after targets like Mohamed Salah and Vinicius Jnr. The exits of some of the league's major earners, such as N'Golo Kante, has created gaps that need filling.

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