Amidst rumours that Karim Benzema (36) is unhappy with life at Al-Ittihad, a departure has been touted, however, the Frenchman would not be welcomed back with open arms at former club Real Madrid.
Whilst Benzema’s entourage deny that the player is unhappy in Saudi Arabia, the Frenchman has undoubtedly had a difficult time since trading Madrid for the Gulf State last summer. His performances have thus far underwhelmed, drawing criticism from fans, and forcing him to close his Instagram account.
Real Madrid irked by Benzema’s last-minute contract rejection
However, if Benzema is secretly looking for a way out of Al-Ittihad, Real Madrid would not be a willing recipient. Executives and supporters alike are unequivocal in their stance – there is no way back for La Nueve.
Sentimentality does not reign at the Bernabeu, and they don’t exactly have a habit of repatriating their former legends, especially not when they leave in such acrimonious circumstances. A one-year contract extension had been left on the table for Benzema, however, Real Madrid were only informed at the last minute that this contract would not be signed by the former France international.
The timing of Benzema’s rejection, which had not been anticipated by the La Liga side, left Los Blancos in a difficult position and having to go into the market for a new No.9.
‘Benzema preferred money’
Whilst Real Madrid’s executives are opposed to bringing Benzema back to the club, this stance is also shared by supporters. “We really don’t want him back,” Real Madrid fan Jaime told L’Équipe. “Benzema gave us so much and we thank him, but his time at Madrid is over. He belongs to the past and when you see how the team functions now, we frankly don’t need him,” he added.
Pablo, a 35-year-old Blancos fan adds: “The same thing happened to him that happened to Cristiano (Ronaldo), (Sergio) Ramos, Casemiro, (Raphaël) Varane… they all thought that the grass was greener on the other side and I’m sure they now regret their choice.”
“He easily had another two or three seasons in him at the highest level and he could have finished his career growing his legendary status, but he preferred money. He made a mistake, too bad for him,” reacted Real Madrid fan Fernando.
GFFN | Luke Entwistle
